In a groundbreaking move, President Ram Chandra Paudel has appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, the country’s interim prime minister, marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s history.
Karki, 73, is set to be sworn in as the country’s first female head of government, bringing a fresh perspective to the nation’s leadership.
Sushila Karki’s journey to the top office is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Morang district, Karki became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice in 2016.
She served in this position for 11 months, earning a reputation for her stringent stance against corruption and her commitment to fairness and integrity. Karki’s background as a jurist has prepared her well for the challenges of leading the country as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister.
Karki’s educational background is impressive, with a master’s degree in political science from Banaras Hindu University and a law degree from Tribhuvan University.
She began her law practice in Biratnagar in 1979 and went on to become a senior advocate in 2007. Her experience in the judicial profession spans over 32 years, making her a symbol of progress for women in the field.
Karki’s appointment comes after weeks of protests demanding change in Nepal’s leadership. The protests, led by Gen Z groups, were sparked by corruption and poor governance issues.
According to Police spokesperson Binod Ghimire, “About 13,500 prisoners had escaped — some have been recaptured, 12,533 are still at large.” The government has imposed a curfew, and the army has been deployed to restore law and order in Kathmandu.
“Karki is seen as an anticorruption voice, so she’s acceptable to a lot of the Gen Z groups that have been firing up this movement, because corruption has been a big issue.”
Karki’s reputation for integrity and her uncompromising stance against corruption make her a suitable candidate to lead the country during this tumultuous period.
As the country’s first female prime minister, Karki faces significant challenges. She will need to navigate the complexities of Nepal’s politics, restore stability, and address the grievances of the protesters.
According to sources, Karki will form a small cabinet and recommend the dissolution of parliament, paving the way for fresh elections.
Karki’s appointment has been widely welcomed, with many seeing her as a refreshing departure from traditional party politics.
“Nepal’s first female Prime minister excites me. She has a reputation for integrity and independence, which is exactly what Nepal needs right now,” said one protest organizer.
However, some have expressed concerns about the potential challenges Karki may face due to her not being a member of parliament.
Though many are of the opinion that being Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, she would meander her ways through the parliament and chat a path for her government.
The appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first female Prime Minister and interim prime minister marks a significant step towards restoring stability in the country.
As the nation navigates this critical period, Karki’s leadership will be crucial in addressing the systemic issues that have plagued Nepalese governance for years.
With her background as a jurist and her commitment to anticorruption, Karki is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in Nepal.
As the country looks to the future, Karki’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the nation’s democracy and its direction. Her appointment is a historic moment for Nepal, and it remains to be seen how her stewardship will unfold.
Sushila Karki’s appointment as Nepal’s interim prime minister has sparked a mix of emotions across the country. Many young protesters, who were instrumental in bringing down the previous government, see Karki as a beacon of hope for a corruption-free Nepal.
Ekta Adhikari, a 21-year-old Kathmandu resident, expressed her hopes for the new government, saying, “I hope the interim government will have a good foundation to maintain law and order and have a cleaner background, with no history of corruption or major political affiliation”.
Karki’s government faces significant challenges, including restoring peace and stability in the country. The recent protests resulted in at least 51 deaths and over 1,300 injuries, leaving deep scars.
Pawan Sharma, a 20-year-old student, recounted his experience during the protests, “I was there in Parliament house and saw people getting shot in front of me. This protest is about the corruption in the country. Now we have thrown out the government completely. We got what we wanted.”
Karki’s reputation as a tough and independent jurist has earned her the respect of many Nepalis.
During her tenure as Chief Justice, she ruled against senior politicians accused of abuse of authority and clashed with Nepal’s power elite over appointments in the security services and judiciary. Her stance against corruption has made her a symbol of integrity and independence.
Karki’s appointment marks a significant shift in Nepalese politics, with many seeing her as a refreshing departure from traditional party politics.
Her non-partisan background and history of standing up to political pressure make her an ideal caretaker leader.
As Nepal’s first female Prime Minister takes office, all eyes will be on her stewardship and her ability to steer the country toward calmer political waters and renewed public trust.