Following the ouster of the elected government, efforts to form a civilian government have begun in the wake of the Gen Z's uprising in Nepal.
After President Ramchandra Paudel called for talks, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashok Raj Sigdel has been holding intensive discussions with all stakeholders. The dialogue initiated by CoAS Sigdel on Tuesday night is ongoing. During this period, a strong proposal has emerged from the Gen Z groups to form a civilian government under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.
Although Gen Z is comprised of various factions, they appear to be nearly unanimous in their support for Karki. They have collectively submitted a formal request to her, outlining their agenda.
According to sources involved in the talks, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a figure trusted by Gen Z groups, has also expressed his support for Sushila Karki. As Karki's name is seen as acceptable to the main agitating forces and many others, both President Paudel and CoAS Sigdel are reportedly positive about her candidacy.
Discussions with various involved parties indicate a near-consensus on Karki leading an interim government, with work ongoing to find a constitutional path forward.
"There is a constitutional complexity," an interlocutor involved in the talks stated. "A solution must be sought based on 'the doctrine of necessity'. The President's view is that a path must be sought from within this constitution as much as possible, a view no party objects to."
Current arguments in the talks suggest that the demands of Gen Z representatives and the understanding of the President and the Nepali Army are aligned. The existing Constitution requires a Prime Minister to command a parliamentary majority. However, the existing parliament and its old parties and leaders have been rejected by the uprising. The alternative is a civilian government. The President is thus prepared to find a way with minimal constitutional damage.
As the Council of Ministers cannot convene, the President must now initiate the process of forming a new government, removing constitutional hurdles.
The President, who is under pressure to secure the consensus of the old parties, is cautious about potential criticisms based on his party background and political beliefs regarding the dissolution of parliament or the backlash from forming a non-partisan government.
With few options remaining, President Paudel is caught between the protesters' sentiments and the urgency to find an immediate solution. Therefore, a near-consensus is formed around a neutral and widely acceptable personality like former Chief Justice Karki. Unless there are dramatic shifts, former Chief Justice Karki is poised to become Nepal's first female Prime Minister, fulfilling the demand of Gen Z.
Balen's stance
Balen Shah is a frequently mentioned figure within the Gen Z group. However, according to those close to him, he has shown no personal interest in leading the government or being directly involved in the process.
Although some Gen Z groups sought to engage with him, he remained unavailable. A member of his secretariat stated, "He may have his own priorities, but Balen fully supports former Chief Justice Karki."
As this news was being published, Balen himself clarified his stance at 10:30 PM on Wednesday. He wrote, "I fully support the proposal from you all for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead this interim/election government. I deeply respect your wisdom, judgment, and unity. This demonstrates your maturity."
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