Nepal entered a new political chapter on Friday as former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki assumed leadership of an interim government, tasked with steering the nation toward general elections in March 2026. The 73-year-old legal pioneer—the first and only woman to hold Nepal's top judicial post—was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Poudel following days of negotiations between major political factions.
A Transition Forged Through Consensus
Karki's appointment came hours after the presidential office announced the dissolution of Nepal's House of Representatives, effective immediately. Her interim administration will oversee all ministries until the 2026 polls, according to the official appointment mandate. The move follows former PM KP Sharma Oli's resignation earlier this week and subsequent protests across Kathmandu and other cities.
Eyes on Electoral Roadmap
Analysts suggest Karki's judicial background and historic reputation for impartiality made her a consensus candidate among rival parties. 'This transitional government faces the dual challenge of maintaining stability while preparing for a high-stakes election,' said Kathmandu-based political analyst Rajesh Thapa. The timeline allows nearly two years for electoral reforms and coalition-building in Nepal's evolving federal democracy.
