Sushila Karki breaks barriers to become Nepal’s first female prime minister. Her appointment comes on the heels of extreme political chaos. This chaos followed the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Karki, the former chief justice of Nepal, formally assumed her function late Friday. She will head up a new interim administration until new elections are called.
Karki’s selection by a collective of Gen Z climate protesters represents a turning point for the country. Young activists drove the ongoing protests that brought down old government—a key demand of the Movement. Their advocacy was critical to making this big policy change possible. They called for transparency, accountability, and sweeping reform. Karki’s principled and fearless position against corruption dovetails beautifully with youth’s desire for a transparent and accountable government.
As chief justice, Karki gained international respect for her uncompromising war on corruption. She issued a number of historic decisions that felled the most powerful perpetrators, such as ministers and senior police officers. Her leadership in the judiciary positioned her as a leading figure in Nepalese civil society. She is a tireless activist for equity, justice, humanity, and moral integrity.
Karki’s appointment was roundly supported by Balendra Shah (or Shekhar, as his fans in the West know him). That young leader of Kathmandu has been at the center of the movement to bring that change. Together, they represent the dawning of a new era of leadership in Nepal. Thousands of advocates envision this shift leading to the further reclamation of our democratic processes and ultimate restoration of public faith in governmental structures.
In her first statements on the subject, Karki has vowed to focus on improving the corrupt, dysfunctional nature of this nation’s bureaucracy. She has spoken out emphatically against the violent protests in recent days. She criticizes the widespread use of lethal force against demonstrators and protest leaders as a “massacre.” Her courage to face these painful truths shows her commitment to be a strong, moral leader, who cares enough to take risks to do what is right.
Dheeraj Joshi, a leading voice among the Gen Z protesters, commented on Karki’s appointment:
“That doesn’t mean everything will immediately be fine once she takes office.” – Dheeraj Joshi
He further emphasized the importance of this transition, stating that it signifies “moving from a phase of destruction to a phase of construction.” Thousands of Nepalese citizens have staked their hopes, dreams and expectations on Karki to usher in integrity and accountability. They are counting on her leadership as she enters this crucial moment.
Karki’s government will face the immediate challenge of restoring stability ahead of elections expected later this year. Her interim administration aims to navigate through the current political landscape while addressing pressing issues such as corruption, economic challenges, and social unrest.
The pathway forward is cloudy. Going on Karki’s track record and storied reputation among advocates and her constituents, she’s well-prepared to tackle those challenges. Her tenure as chief justice brought to the fore her fierce opposition to corruption. Now, dozens of ordinary citizens want her to show the same spirit as prime minister.