Gen Z unrest propels former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as frontrunner for Nepal interim leadership

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been proposed by youth-led “Gen Z” protesters and the Nepali Army as the likely interim Prime Minister following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down amid massive protests.

The protests were triggered by a contentious ban on social media, which was later lifted. What began as a demonstration by younger Nepalese seeking justice and reform escalated after police used force, resulting in at least 19 to 30 deaths and more than 600 to over 1,000 injuries across multiple cities.

In a virtual meeting hosted by the Gen Z movement, Sushila Karki was reportedly nominated as a preferred leader for an interim government. More than 4 hours of discussion led to her selection among other names such as Balendra Shah (Kathmandu mayor) and Kulman Ghising (former CEO of Nepal Electricity Board).

Karki has expressed willingness to serve, saying she is prepared to lead an interim government if the protestors and army agree.

The virtual meeting upheld that leaders nominated should have no political party affiliation, emphasizing neutrality.

The Nepal Army has taken control of law and order in Kathmandu and other unrest-ridden regions, imposing curfews, patrolling streets, and restoring calm. Meanwhile, steps are being taken toward formalizing an interim government, although the constitutional pathway remains under discussion.

Additional recent developments include the reopening of Tribhuvan International Airport after a two-day closure, restrictions on public gatherings still imposed in multiple districts, and support from local leaders such as Mayor Balendra Shah, who publicly endorsed Karki’s potential leadership.