Nepal Forms Interim Government : Sushila Karki Sworn in as First Female Prime Minister

Kathmandu, September 12: Nepal’s former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, was sworn in as the interim Prime Minister of Nepal on Friday evening, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position in the country. She took the oath of office along with several cabinet ministers, including Kulman Ghising and Sudan Gurung, who were considered contenders for the prime ministerial post.

The formation of the interim government comes in the wake of intense, Gen-Z-led protests that led to the resignation of the Prime Minister and the President, causing the government to collapse and widespread violence to erupt across the nation. Sushila Karki has taken the helm of this interim administration.

Following negotiations between the protesters, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and President Ram Chandra Paudel, the decision was made to appoint the 73-year-old Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government. Subsequently, the protesters’ demands to dissolve the parliament and appoint Sushila Karki as interim prime minister were accepted. The Speaker of the Parliament and the Chairman of the National Assembly were also present at the swearing-in ceremony.

Sushila Karki was administered the oath of office by President Paudel at Shital Niwas, the President’s residence. Along with Sushila Karki, other individuals considered for the prime ministerial role included Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former head of the electricity authority Kulman Ghising, Dharan Mayor Harka Raj Sampang Rai, and Aaka Harka Sampang. However, Sushila Karki ultimately secured the majority of votes and was chosen for the position.