Nepal is set to get its first female Prime Minister. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is almost certain to be appointed the head of the interim government. While Bidya Devi Bhandari already holds the record of being Nepal’s first female President, this will be the first time the country gets a woman Prime Minister.
An understanding to appoint former Chief Justice Karki as the interim Prime Minister was reached during talks among Gen-Z representatives and other stakeholders held at Sheetal Niwas, the President’s office, on Thursday night. However, a final decision is pending due to an impasse over the dissolution of parliament. President Ram Chandra Paudel is holding another round of talks with Gen-Z representatives and concerned parties today.
There is also an agreement among Gen-Z representatives, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), and Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel to appoint Karki. However, the talks are being resumed today because the President could not decide on the Gen-Z's key demand to dissolve parliament.
Reaching a conclusion has been difficult as it is argued that the constitution does not allow for a non-parliamentarian like Karki to become PM while parliament remains intact. President Paudel has consulted constitutional experts about potentially using the 'remove difficulties' provision under Article 61(4) of the Constitution.
This article states that it is the duty of the President to uphold and protect the Constitution. Constitutional advisors have suggested that the "guardian of the nation is never without options" and can make a decision that causes the least damage to the constitution. They stated that the President has inherent emergency powers, even if not explicitly written.
The current caretaker cabinet could recommend invoking this 'remove difficulties' clause to enable the President's decision.
The country moved into the process of forming an interim government after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was forced to resign on September 9 following massive protests. The Gen-Z protests, which began on September 8 against corruption and bad governance, turned violent after a state crackdown resulted in the deaths of 19 youths. Protesters resorted to vandalism, arson attacks, and assualting leaders.
The death toll from the protests on September 8 and 9 has now reached 36, as of Thursday evening, after two more protestors who were injured during treatment passed away. According to the Health Ministry, 1,330 injured have been discharged, while 322 are still receiving treatment in various hospitals.
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