Nepal Faces Political Uncertainty as Protests Continue After Oli‘s Resignation
Nepal is navigating a period of political instability following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in 2023, coupled with ongoing protests largely driven by Gen Z demanding systemic change. While President Ram Chandra Poudel remains constitutionally in charge, the army is effectively managing the country due to a lack of credibility the President holds with the younger generation of protestors, according to Professor Kapil Upreti of Tribhuvan University.
The current protests, fueled by dissatisfaction with the ruling elite, are focused on broader reforms rather than a return to monarchy, despite a recent revival of pro-monarchy sentiment with the return of former King Gyanendra Shah to Kathmandu. Experts, including journalist Bishal Lamichhane, emphasize the protestors are fundamentally advocating for the preservation of the republic.
Currently, over 3,200 young Nepalis are actively debating the future of the country on the Discord platform, strategizing for upcoming talks initiated by President Poudel and the Nepali army. Potential demands being discussed include the dissolution of parliament, new elections within six months to a year, and a mechanism for directly electing the prime minister. Other proposals include implementing term limits for prime ministers and shortening parliamentary terms from five to four years. Nepal’s current system, like other parliamentary models, sees the party in power select the prime minister after voters elect the legislature, and currently lacks prime ministerial term limits – though no PM has served a full five-year term since the 2008 constitution.
Looking ahead, any interim prime minister would likely need to be drawn from the current members of parliament if the process remains within the constitutional framework. Though, if the situation evolves, former chief justices and even “populist youth figures” could emerge as contenders.Balendra ”Balen” Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor of kathmandu, has garnered notable support online as a potential leader.Shah, who won his mayoral seat as an independent in 2022, previously used his music to address issues of corruption and inequality. He has voiced support for the protests, urging demonstrators to exercise restraint. However, his leadership has faced scrutiny, including criticism for a crackdown on street vendors and his advocacy for a “Greater Nepal” concept incorporating parts of present-day India.
President poudel has positioned himself as a convener for dialogue regarding Nepal’s political future, but the direction of thes talks and the ultimate outcome remain uncertain as the Gen Z-led movement continues to shape the national conversation.
