In Sushila Karki, Nepal may have found its first female head of government. Her appointment follows a week of unprecedented anti-corruption protests that drove former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli from office. That appointment came on the heels of two days of high-stakes backdoor negotiations. President Ramchandra Paudel, army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and leaders of the protest movement collectively ensured that peace and stability prevailed in the nation.
At 73 years of age, Karki becomes history’s first female Prime Minister of Nepal in interim government. Widely recognized for her fierce devotion to ethical behavior and the principle of an independent judiciary, this former chief justice is certainly a trailblazer. Young activists from the protest movement were instrumental in her election. Via the Discord platform—they often worked on Discord all night long—they elected her leader they can rely upon.
The protests that brought about Karki’s appointment took more than 51 lives and injured more than 1,300 people. The demonstrations were largely youth-led protests, influenced by the vision of other young activists calling for strong governmental accountability and transparency. Many among the Gen Z protesters expressed their support for Karki, stating that “they believe in me,” highlighting a desire for leadership that resonates with their aspirations for change.
Karki’s appointment comes at an important juncture for the country. It is intended to address the impacts of civil disorder and establish a transparent process leading to elections. The newly appointed Prime Minister acknowledged this urgency, emphasizing that there is “a short time for the purpose of doing elections,” indicating her commitment to fulfilling the demands of the protestors.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his best wishes to Karki from the bottom of his heart. By doing so, he demonstrated international goodwill and support after her inauguration. Modi stated, “Heartfelt congratulations to the Honourable Sushila Karki Ji on assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal’s interim government. India is fully committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nepal’s brothers and sisters.”
Karki’s leadership is viewed as a major shift towards creating a better climate of political stability in Nepal. As she assumes office, progressives across the country are understandably hopeful. In particular, they feel that her experience in the judiciary will help to restore public trust in government institutions.
