Nepal Set to Form Interim Govt; Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki Likely to Become PM

Kathmandu- Nepal is preparing to swear in former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim Prime Minister, amid widespread youth-led protests against corruption and misgovernance.

The appointment could be formalised as early as Friday afternoon, marking a major political shift during a period of escalating unrest.

According to officials, the President’s Office at Sheetal Niwas has already directed staff to make arrangements for the swearing-in ceremony. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also been asked to remain on standby to ensure a smooth transition once political consensus is finalised.

Karki, Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has emerged as the frontrunner after days of negotiations among major parties. Seen as a respected and non-partisan figure, she is viewed as capable of restoring credibility and stability in the current crisis.

Former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising was also considered for the role. Ghising is widely admired for ending the country’s long-standing power shortages, but consensus tilted towards Karki in response to public demand for clean and impartial leadership.

The political transition comes as anti-corruption protests, triggered by a controversial social media ban earlier this week, sweep across the country. Demonstrations that began in Kathmandu have spread to Pokhara, Butwal, and Birgunj.

Clashes between security forces and protesters have left at least 34 people dead and over 1,000 injured, sparking sharp criticism of the government’s handling of the crisis.

With inputs from IANS