Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s first woman prime minister on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s political landscape. Karki, 73 years old, took the oath of office across the street at the residence of the president. The ceremony was presided over by President Ram Chandra Poudel. Her appointment is a direct reply to the nationwide protests inspired and led by Gen Z activists. They view her government as a transitional administration that will set the stage for the country’s first ever early elections.
While Karki’s political journey is notable for her pioneering role, she made waves for her municipal work. She has demonstrated a deep, abiding commitment to integrity and justice. From 2016 to 2017, she was the chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court. During her tenure, she became a household name for challenging gender norms and demanding change to corruption in politics. Karki is an ardent proponent for a transparent and independent judiciary. She has emphasized these principles in her recent public statements.
A Trailblazer in Law and Justice
Born in 1952 in Biratnagar, an industrial town in eastern Nepal, Sushila Karki started her legal career in 1979. During a period when women were seldom allowed to practice law, she became a bold and fearless champion. She has degrees in political science from India and law from Kathmandu. These accomplishments set the stage for her groundbreaking career.
Throughout her tenure as chief justice, Karki went toe to toe with equally powerful politicians on corruption concerns. In 2012, she imprisoned a sitting government minister for corrupt practices. That brave move was just one example of her deep and lifelong commitment to the pursuit of justice. Anil Kumar Sinha, a legal expert, praised Karki’s character, stating, “Her integrity has never been in doubt, and she is not someone who can be intimidated or easily influenced. She is courageous and not swayed by pressure.”
Karki’s prime ministership represents a historic milestone especially for younger generations, who have come out in force to support Karki’s leadership. She has expressed confidence in their potential, stating, “What I have seen in the last 35 years does not work, I am 100 per cent in favour of youth coming forward.”
Support from Gen Z Protesters
The protests that helped to push Karki’s appointment over the line were largely organized by a younger generation—Gen Z—to pressure political leaders and raise calls for reform and accountability. Most of these kids view her as a perfect link between their hopes and dreams and the outdated political establishment. Karki acknowledged their support, saying they “believe in me to lead for a short time for the purpose of doing elections.”
Her leadership comes at an opportune time. With Nepal transitioning from conflict to democracy, the political climate is conducive and in urgent need for committed governance and reform. It’s no wonder that the youth are out there marching passionately, insisting on change. They’re calling on their elders to retire and allow for new voices to emerge. Karki emphasized the importance of youth involvement, saying, “We see it everywhere but we don’t speak — now we need the youth to speak up, take the lead and stand in elections.”
Challenges Ahead
As Nepal’s first female prime minister, Karki has an uphill battle ahead. Her government will have to navigate the tangle of institutionalized corruption and political instability, all while building confidence among citizens. Given that her leadership is very transitional, she has to focus on creating a stable political environment. Addressing this focus first will set the stage for building equitable elections.
Her integrity will certainly be tested as Karki faces competitive political realities that may tempt her to stray from the original mission. Her extensive experience on the bench provides her with a unique perspective to understand the challenges that have long-suffering hampered Nepal’s public governance. As she begins this new chapter, observers will definitely be watching to see what she does and doesn’t do on the policy front.
