Nepal is experiencing significant political changes. Sushila Karki, formerly the Supreme Court chief justice, has stepped in as the interim prime minister following turbulent anti-corruption protests. She is the first woman to hold this position in the country.
The protests erupted when the government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram. This decision led to widespread anger, culminating in clashes with police and sadly, resulting in over 50 deaths. Crowds in the capital, Kathmandu, took to the streets, setting fire to government buildings and parliament. Amid this turmoil, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned.
Karki’s appointment was part of a negotiated settlement between protest leaders and the president, Ram Chandra Poudel. After discussions involving legal experts, it was decided that new elections would take place by March 5 of next year. Karki’s main task is to restore stability and law and order in Nepal.
She is seen as a hopeful leader, especially by the younger generation, who are vocal on social media about their desire for change. Karki even visited the protest site where violence occurred, showing her commitment to addressing the people’s concerns.
Karki’s journey is remarkable. Born into a politically connected family, she credits her husband’s support for her rise from lawyer to chief justice in 2016. However, her tenure hasn’t been without controversy, including facing impeachment during her time on the bench.
Today, Nepal’s military is patrolling the streets as the nation copes with its worst unrest in years. The protests highlighted deep-seated issues with the political elite, particularly anger over corruption and privilege among politicians’ families.
Experts suggest that Karki’s leadership could usher in a new chapter for Nepal. Issues like corruption, youth engagement, and the role of social media in political dissent are at the forefront. With meaningful dialogue and decisive action, there’s hope for a brighter, more stable future.
For more on these developments, you can visit BBC News.
