Nepal’s Prime Minister Appoints New Ministers Ahead of March Elections

Nepal’s Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, appointed three new ministers to her interim government on Monday. This administration is responsible for organizing fresh elections scheduled for March 2024, following violent protests that resulted in the collapse of the previous government. The appointments come in response to widespread public outcry and unrest, particularly among the nation’s youth.

Kalman Gurung has been designated as the new energy minister, Rameshore Khanal takes on the role of finance minister, and Om Prakash Aryal will serve as home minister. Karki, who became the first female prime minister of Nepal on September 12, 2023, was previously known for her tenure as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, where she gained recognition for her efforts against government corruption.

The protests, referred to as the Gen Z protests, began on September 8 and resulted in at least 72 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The violence escalated rapidly, prompting the army to impose a curfew in Kathmandu. Following negotiations with military officials and the president, Karki was appointed to lead the interim government aimed at restoring stability and preparing for the elections.

“I did not come to this position because I had sought it but because there were voices from the streets demanding that Sushila Karki should be given the responsibility,” Karki stated during a recent address. She emphasized the temporary nature of her administration, committing to fulfill its duties within six months and transfer authority to the newly elected government.

Karki faces significant challenges as she attempts to meet the expectations of the young protesters while also engaging with established political leaders. She has pledged to work towards ending corruption and promoting good governance and economic equality. “What we need now is to work to end corruption, bring good governance and economic equality,” she noted.

Public sentiment reflects a desire for change, particularly among younger voters. Chandra Lal Mehta, a student, believes that the upcoming elections will favor a younger leader but acknowledges Karki’s legal expertise as beneficial in her current role. Business owner Shrawan Dahl expressed support for Karki, highlighting her backing from both the military and the public. “Her purpose is to hold the election, and our hope is that she will complete the task successfully,” he remarked.

The protests were sparked by a brief social media ban and were fueled by frustrations over pervasive corruption and poverty. Demonstrators, primarily young people, protested against the perceived disparities in wealth and privilege, particularly among the children of political leaders, labeled as “nepo kids.” The situation escalated on September 9, when protests turned violent, leading to attacks on government buildings and clashes with law enforcement.

Calm was restored only after the army took control of the streets, allowing for negotiations among the protesters, military officials, and the president regarding the formation of an interim government. The path ahead remains fraught with challenges, but Karki’s administration is now tasked with steering the nation towards a more stable political landscape as it prepares for the elections in March.