Amid ongoing political instability in Nepal, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed as the interim Prime Minister, the President’s Office confirmed. She is scheduled to be sworn in tonight at 9 PM local time.
According to Nepali media outlet Himalayan Times, the process of appointing the interim government’s leader involved President Ramchandra Poudel, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and representatives of protesters. After deliberations, all parties agreed to appoint Sushila Karki as Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, protests erupted across the country against social media shutdowns. On 8 September, security forces opened fire on demonstrators attempting to enter Parliament, resulting in several deaths. The unrest quickly spread nationwide, leading to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Protesters also vandalized the homes of several former ministers, including a former Chief Justice, and attacked the Finance Minister.
Sushila Karki’s assumption of office as interim Prime Minister is seen as a critical step toward restoring political stability in the country.