Kathmandu, September 13 — Nepal’s political landscape has been dramatically reshaped in recent days after weeks of Gen-Z-led protests against corruption, political malpractice, and state repression culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the appointment of Sushila Karki as the interim Prime Minister. Karki, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and now Nepal’s first woman premier, has been tasked with leading the country through a turbulent transition until elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Gen-Z Protests and Rising Tensions
The turmoil was sparked by Oli’s controversial move to impose a nationwide social media ban, a decision seen as an attack on free speech and an attempt to silence dissent. The ban came against the backdrop of growing anger over corruption and governance failures.
Young Nepalis — digitally connected, politically aware, and impatient with traditional leaders — took to the streets in unprecedented numbers. Protests quickly turned violent, with security forces accused of using lethal force. Karki openly condemned the crackdown, describing it as a “massacre,” and her words resonated with demonstrators demanding accountability.
Despite internal divisions at first, by Wednesday, the Gen-Z movement had rallied around Karki as the face of their resistance. Her integrity and reputation for judicial independence made her an acceptable compromise candidate in a deeply fractured political climate.
A New Kind of Political Backing
Karki’s candidacy was bolstered by support from Balendra Shah, the charismatic mayor of Kathmandu. A rapper-turned-politician, Shah has become a powerful figure among Nepal’s youth for his outspoken stance against corruption and his refusal to bow to political elites. His endorsement helped unify protesters behind Karki at a moment when the movement risked splintering.
The pressure on the political establishment grew intense. Leaders of Nepal’s traditional parties initially resisted dissolving parliament, hoping to preserve their influence. But on Friday night, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel issued a stern warning: if the deadlock continued, the military would be forced to declare a state of emergency. Within hours, an agreement was reached to dissolve parliament and appoint Karki as interim Prime Minister.
Transition of Power
The President’s office confirmed Karki’s appointment on Friday, announcing that general elections would be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Karki will lead the interim government for six months, with her mandate centered on restoring order, ensuring stability, and preparing for polls.
Many protesters, however, insist her role should go further. Calls are mounting for immediate investigations into allegations of corruption against former Prime Minister Oli and his ministers. Protest leaders are also demanding an independent inquiry into the deaths of demonstrators during last week’s clashes with security forces.
Dheeraj Joshi, a 25-year-old Gen-Z organizer involved in high-level discussions with the army and the presidency, expressed cautious optimism:
“I believe Karki’s appointment will see the country moving from a phase of destruction to a phase of construction. That doesn’t mean everything will immediately be fine once she takes office. Initially, there will be a process to identify who weakened the country the most, and then set priorities accordingly. Over time, the deeply rooted corruption will be uprooted. Once that process begins, the ground will open up for a better future.”
Corruption at the Heart of the Crisis
For decades, corruption and political malpractice have undermined Nepal’s institutions. From development projects stalled by graft to patronage networks that suffocate reform, entrenched political elites have eroded public trust. Oli’s downfall reflected years of disillusionment coming to a head, accelerated by a younger generation no longer willing to tolerate business as usual.
Karki, who has built her career on the principles of accountability and justice, is now expected to lead with transparency. Yet she will have to navigate a fragile political environment where entrenched interests are unlikely to step aside easily.
A Generational Shift
The rise of the Gen-Z movement marks a generational shift in Nepali politics. Unlike their elders, many of whom lived through the monarchy, civil war, and the transition to federal democracy, Nepal’s youth are digitally connected, globally aware, and less tied to traditional party loyalties.
Their adoption of online platforms like Discord to organize leadership votes and mobilize supporters highlights how technology is reshaping political activism in the Himalayan nation. This generational energy, combined with grassroots civic actions such as street cleaning after protests, has injected hope into a weary population.
The Road Ahead
The coming months will test whether Nepal can transition smoothly to elections without falling into further instability. Karki will need to maintain unity among protesters while balancing relations with established parties and the military.
For many Nepalis, the demand is clear: uproot corruption, deliver accountability, and prepare for a new democratic chapter. Whether Karki can rise to that challenge will define not only her tenure but also the future trajectory of the country.
As Joshi and other young leaders put it, Nepal is at a turning point — from destruction to construction. For the first time in years, the people see the possibility of real change.
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