Nepal Dissolves Parliament, Sets Elections for March 2026 Amid Historic Appointment

Photo: AFP
Kathmandu: Nepal is moving toward a new political chapter after weeks of violent protests and uncertainty. On Friday, the country’s parliament was officially dissolved, and fresh elections were announced for March 5, 2026, the president’s office said.

The announcement came after the appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister. Karki, the former Chief Justice, is Nepal’s first woman to hold the post. She has been tasked with guiding the country through the transition and overseeing preparations for the upcoming elections.

Chaos and Protests

The Himalayan nation of 30 million people faced its worst violence since the end of the civil war and the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. At least 51 people, including protesters and one Indian national, were killed during clashes with security forces.

The protests were sparked by anti-corruption anger and a government-imposed social media ban, which young activists said limited their freedom. Thousands of youth, often grouped under the name “Gen Z,” organized through online apps like Discord, debating actions and eventually nominating Karki as their preferred leader.

Protesters set fire to major government buildings, including parliament, Singha Durbar, and even a Hilton Hotel, and more than 12,500 prisoners escaped from jails during the chaos. Security forces recovered over 100 guns looted during the unrest.

Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki

Karki, 73, took the oath as interim Prime Minister in a small ceremony at the presidential palace, attended by diplomats and former leaders. She wore a red sari and greeted everyone in traditional style, smiling and bowing with folded hands.

“I take an oath in the name of the country and the people to fulfill my duty as the prime minister,” she said during the brief ceremony.

Her appointment came after intense negotiations led by the army chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, and President Ram Chandra Paudel, including discussions with representatives from the youth protest movement.

The interim government aims to stabilize Nepal, end the recent power vacuum, and prepare for fair and peaceful elections.

Return to Normalcy

After five days of curfew, authorities have begun lifting restrictions across Kathmandu and other affected regions.

Shops, grocery stores, vegetable markets, and malls reopened.

Traffic resumed in the streets.

Cleaning and repair drives began to restore government offices and other vandalized areas.

Many citizens welcomed the calm. Naveen Kumar Das, a painter in Kathmandu, said, “I was very afraid and stayed locked inside my home. Now, I can finally go out to stock up on supplies.”

Regional and Global Response

India welcomed the appointment of Karki and the formation of the interim government. A statement from New Delhi’s Foreign Ministry said it hopes the move will help foster peace and stability in Nepal.

Observers say this is a historic moment for Nepal. It is the first time a woman is leading the country, and she comes to power with a reputation for independence and honesty. Many citizens, especially young protesters, see her as a symbol of hope for a “better Nepal.”