Nepal’s president Dissolves Parliament, Names Sukila Karki Interim Prime Minister Amid Protests
Kathmandu, nepal – Nepal’s presidential office announced today the dissolution of the house of Representatives and scheduled general elections for March 5th of next year. The move follows widespread anti-government protests and the recent resignation of Prime Minister Sharma Oli on the 9th. Sukila Karki, a former Supreme Court Chief Justice, has been appointed as interim prime minister and will lead a provisional government for approximately six months.
The dissolution has sparked immediate controversy, with critics questioning its constitutionality. While the president holds a largely symbolic role, real power resides with the prime minister. The Nepal Constitution permits presidential dissolution of parliament only when the prime minister has demonstrably lost a vote of confidence – a condition disputed by opposition parties who claim Oli’s resignation preempted such a vote. Karki’s appointment, viewed by some as a compromise pick appealing to a younger generation, now faces an uncertain future as legal challenges mount.
The Nepali Congress, the party holding the most seats in the dissolved House of Representatives, has demanded the reversal of the dissolution, asserting it violates the constitution. The Maoist-affiliated Communist Party has echoed these concerns, labeling the decision “a move against the constitutional system.” The Nepal lawyers’ Association issued a statement warning that the president’s action is unconstitutional and could undermine Nepal’s democratic institutions,including republicanism,inclusion,and federalism.
The protests that precipitated this political upheaval began on the 8th, triggered by government restrictions on social media. Demonstrations initially focused on government corruption and social privileges,quickly escalating and spreading nationwide. Authorities report at least 72 people have been killed and 191 injured during the unrest, and are currently tracking approximately 12,500 prisoners who escaped custody during the protests.
Following Karki’s appointment and a subsequent lull in demonstrations, Nepalese authorities have lifted traffic restrictions in major cities, including Kathmandu. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for Nepal’s fragile political landscape.
