NEWS BRIEF
Nepal’s President has dissolved parliament and called for fresh elections on March 5, 2026, following the appointment of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the country’s first female interim Prime Minister. The move aims to stabilize the nation after weeks of deadly “Gen Z” protests against corruption and governance that left 51 dead and forced the previous PM to resign.
WHAT HAPPENED
- Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved parliament and set elections for March 5, 2026, following intense negotiations between protest leaders, the army, and political factions.
- Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim Prime Minister, the first woman to hold the office to lead until elections.
- The decision comes after nationwide protests sparked by a social media ban and fueled by anger over corruption and unemployment left 51 dead and 1,300 injured.
- Daily life resumed gradually Friday, with shops reopening and police scaling back their presence
WHY IT MATTERS
- Karki’s appointment represents a historic step for gender equality in Nepali politics and responds to protesters’ demands for accountability and reform.
- Setting an election date provides a roadmap to restore democratic stability after the worst unrest in years.
- The resolution demonstrates the influence of youth-led movements in shaping national politics, signaling a potential shift in how governance is demanded in Nepal.
- Successful elections could renew international confidence in Nepal’s democracy, encouraging investment and diplomatic support during recovery.
- The army’s role in mediating the transition underscores its influence but also risks militarizing the political process.
IMPLICATIONS
- The 18-month interim period allows time for electoral reforms and rebuilding public trust but must address deep-rooted corruption and youth discontent.
- International partners like India have endorsed the transition, but sustained engagement will be needed to support economic recovery.
- Failure to deliver credible elections or tangible reforms could trigger renewed protests, especially among youth and activists.
- Nepal’s heavy reliance on foreign employment may continue if job creation and governance improvements stall.
This briefing is based on information from Reuters
