Historic Appointment of Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister
Nepal has made history by appointing Sushila Karki, the country’s former chief justice, as its first female Prime Minister. The oath-taking ceremony took place at Rashtrapati Bhawan amid a backdrop of widespread demonstrations against corruption and unemployment.
Background: Mass Protests Spark Political Change
The appointment follows weeks of nationwide protests, largely led by young Nepalese frustrated with corruption and job scarcity. These protests intensified to a point where former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned, and more than 50 people lost their lives in clashes with security forces.
Key Figures Present at the Ceremony
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by President Ramchandra Paudel, Vice President Ram Sahay Yadav, Nepal Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Rawat, signaling a united front in Nepal’s political leadership.
Sushila Karki’s Profile: A Symbol of Integrity and Reform
Sushila Karki served as Nepal’s first female chief justice from 2016 to 2017. She is widely respected for her strict anti-corruption stance and judicial integrity. Despite facing political challenges during her tenure, including an unsuccessful impeachment attempt, Karki remains a strong reform advocate.
Other Candidates Considered
While Karki was the consensus candidate, other popular names included Kulman Ghising, credited with solving Nepal’s power shortages, and Balendra Shah, Kathmandu’s mayor and a notable young politician. Karki’s legal background gave her the edge.
Looking Ahead: Scheduled General Elections
Following Karki’s appointment, Nepal has announced that general elections will be held on March 5, 2026. The new leadership aims to steer the country through reforms and address the root causes of the recent unrest.