Sushila Karki, Ex-Chief Justice, Poised to Become Nepal’s Interim PM

Former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki is likely to be named Nepal’s interim prime minister after mass Gen Z–led protests forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Reuters reported Thursday, citing sources.

Karki, removed from her post in 2017 months before retirement by then–Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and lawmakers, has emerged as the protesters’ preferred choice to lead a transitional government.

The demonstrations, sparked Monday by a controversial ban on social media, quickly escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement despite the ban being lifted. At least 31 people have been killed and more than 1,000 injured. Protesters torched government buildings and lawmakers’ homes, intensifying calls for Oli’s resignation.

A constitutional expert consulted by President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel told Reuters: “Sushila Karki will be appointed interim prime minister. They [Gen Z] want her. This will happen today.”

Her appointment was expected to follow a meeting at the president’s residence scheduled for 9 a.m. (3:15 GMT), a protest leader told the news agency.