Former CJ Sushila Karki is Nepal’s first woman PM; poll in 6 months

Nepal has made history once again. The country’s first woman Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, has now become its first woman Prime Minister, sworn in by President Ram Chandra Poudel. This historic step followed the dissolution of the elected government headed by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

President Poudel said the new caretaker government was mandated to hold fresh parliamentary elections within six months.

Karki and the Gen Z protesters had made it clear that she would lead an interim administration only after Parliament was dissolved — a demand that has now been fulfilled. PM Karki has been given the responsibility of all ministerial portfolios. Former PM Baburam Bhattarai and several foreign diplomats were seen during the event. After the Gen Z protest on September 8, there was concern that President Poudel had not addressed the nation in person. There were also concerns on whether he was under house arrest by the Army. Seeing the President giving the reins to PM Karki has been a relief to all. In the swearing-in ceremony, Gen Z leaders, including Sudan Gurung, the head of Hami Nepal, which organised the all-important protest on Monday, were seen.

Today, the fifth day of the Gen Z protest, will be remembered as a defining moment in Nepal’s political history — a day when the youth, united and resolute, toppled a government, dissolved the Parliament, and helped elevate a woman known for her anti-corruption crusade to the highest executive office. This unprecedented movement has inspired young people globally, proving that when the youth unite, they can dismantle entrenched regimes and expose decades of corruption.

Karki, born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, is no stranger to challenges. She became Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice in July 2016 and served until June 2017. During her tenure, she faced a no-confidence motion from the Nepali Congress but remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and transparency. Throughout her career, she refused to bow to political pressure or corruption — a reputation that made her the natural choice to lead the country through this transitional period. She has a challenging task ahead of her.