Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has outlined the priorities and limitations of her government, whose sole mandate is to conduct national elections within six months. Analysis of Karki’s address suggests her primary focus is to hold the elections. She also sent a clear message to Gen-Z protestors that the government cannot address demands that fall outside the current constitutional framework.
In her first address to the nation since assuming office on September 12, PM Karki made it clear that a constitutional amendment will not take place before the national elections scheduled for March 5 next year. She emphasized that issues raised by the Gen-Z movement—such as constitutional reform and changes to the system of governance—fall outside the jurisdiction of the interim government. "I want to request the Nepali people who are in favor of change, including the young generation, to participate in the upcoming elections and work to amend the constitution through the constitutional process," Karki said.
Her remarks come at a time when a section of protestors, backed by Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, is demanding a shift to a directly elected presidential system, moving away from the current parliamentary setup. Shah, a vocal critic of mainstream political leaders, has been a prominent supporter of the protests.
Karki’s stance is expected to draw criticism from Shah's supporters. However, two major political parties—the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—are likely to back her position that the constitution cannot and should not be amended before the elections. Meanwhile, the third-largest party, CPN (Maoist Centre), supports the idea of a directly elected president and a fully proportional electoral system but acknowledges that a constitutional amendment is not possible in the absence of a functioning legislature.
The Nepali Congress and CPN-UML have yet to hold formal party meetings in the presence of Sher Bahadur Deuba and KP Sharma Oli, However, both leaders are facing growing pressure from within their parties to step down, as grassroots members call for leadership change in line with the aspirations of the youth.
While major political parties are not opposing the elections, they have called for improvements in law and order to ensure a conducive environment for voting. President Ram Chandra Poudel has instructed PM Karki not to introduce any ordinances beyond the scope of facilitating elections. Acting on a cabinet recommendation, he has issued an ordinance amending the Voter Registration Act, 2073 BS, and the government has already consulted with the Election Commission to streamline the electoral process. Karki reiterated the government's commitment to holding free and fair elections, urging all political parties to participate and represent the aspirations of the youth.
This marks the first time PM Karki has formally addressed political parties. Initially, she avoided including party representatives in the interim government, fearing backlash from Gen-Z protestors. Although the major parties opposed the dissolution of Parliament, they have accepted the upcoming elections—provided the government ensures a fair environment.
In an attempt to address protestors' demands, PM Karki announced that the government will take action against those responsible for the killing of 21 youths in a police firing incident on September 8. There is a mounting pressure to take action against then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. To investigate the incident, the government has formed a judicial commission led by former judge Gauri Bahadur Karki, which has already begun its work. Local media reports suggest the government is considering imposing travel bans on top political leaders.
Corruption is another major issue raised by the Gen-Z protestors. PM Karki assured the public that her government would take steps to curb corruption. She revealed that preliminary investigations have already unearthed past corruption cases. However, with the existing Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) in place, establishing a parallel commission faces constitutional and legal hurdles.
PM Karki also highlighted the limitations of her government. With a six-month tenure, she said it is not possible to resolve all the issues raised by the movement. However, she assured that the government would make a sincere effort within its mandate. Regarding recent media reports about large amounts of cash found in the private residence of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, she confirmed that an investigation is underway.
While some Gen-Z protestors are calling for drastic changes, including scrapping the constitution and taking tougher actions against traditional political leaders, the government is under pressure to maintain a balanced approach to avoid disrupting the election environment.
The government finds itself in a challenging position—trying to satisfy the protestors’ demands for justice and accountability, while also ensuring cooperation from major political parties. While Gen-Z protestors demand action against those responsible for the September 8 shootings and past corruption, political parties are urging a proper investigation into the burning of key state institutions such as the Parliament building, the judiciary, and Singha Durbar.
President Poudel has also cautioned PM Karki not to take any actions that would violate the constitution. During the government formation process, Karki had initially proposed dissolving Parliament, but President Poudel rejected the suggestion. She later recommended dissolution again, which the President approved.
Meanwhile, the international community—particularly the United States and the European Union—has voiced strong support for the protection of Nepal’s 2015 constitution and the conduct of timely, free, and fair elections.
A delegation from the European Union met with PM Karki on Thursday to reaffirm their commitment to Nepal’s democracy, rule of law, and human rights. It appears that India, the US, and the EU are aligned in their stance on upholding constitutional order and supporting timely elections in Nepal. Nepal’s next door neighbor China, however, is yet to officially welcome the formation of the new government.
Although Prime Minster Karki made it clear in her address that government’s sole priority is to hold elections, uncertainty still looms large. Questions remain over whether elections can be conducted within the six-month timeframe as political parties are still raising the questions of their security. Law and order remain a major concerns, with numerous police posts destroyed and over 8000 prisoners at large. Additionally, fears are growing that country’s economy may take a further hit, as the private sector was heavily targeted during the protests.
