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By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel

Until a few weeks ago, Nepal was known as one of the most corrupt countries in the world. The international community used to view Nepal as a country governed by corrupt politicians with no integrity. However, the recent Gen Z revolution has sent a clear and loud message to the international community, compelling them to view Nepal as a land of politically conscious youth having the ability to transform the nation. In plain words, the image of Nepal as a country with a corrupt political system has been changed to a country of youth who have the ability to bring seismic change in terms of political aspects.

The Gen Z revolution, born out of social media’s campaign against the Nepo kids’ luxurious cars, lavish lifestyle and overseas holidays funded by corruption, forced the corrupt politicians of all hues to their knees – something which brought huge respite among the people who were kept in the dark for decades by these unaccountable and intransparent politicians. The Gen Z campaign forced KP Oli to resign, laying the foundation for the formation of an interim government under the leadership of Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice and an anti-corruption crusader.

The protest and subsequent appointment of Sushila Karki were a testimony to the fact that Nepalis were fed up with poor governance, political oppression and what many saw as a system gone astray. Similarly, the protest is a direct rejection of politics controlled by corrupt politicians of all stripes. Now, the former chief justice and anti-corruption crusader heads the interim government.

Born in 1952, Karki was active in student politics with the liberal Nepali Congress before leaving politics to pursue a legal career. She became Nepal’s first woman chief justice, leading the judiciary from 2016 to 2017. During her tenure, she defended judicial independence, women’s rights and the fight against corruption. She has also been an active anti-corruption crusader. Many view her as the paragon of integrity, and the appointment of Sushila Karki reflects the society’s growing trust in women’s leadership.

But it is an established fact that Nepal’s first female prime minister – Sushila Karki – has assumed the office at the most stressful and challenging period in Nepal’s political history. It is also an established fact that she will be walking on eggshells. To say, the road ahead is fraught with many challenges – both seen and unseen.

To begin with, the ousted corrupt politicians are not pleased with the recent Gen Z movement that forced them to step down. Not only this, but their property, owned through illegal means, was turned into ashes. It is generally believed that they will not remain silent, thinking they deserve it. Everyone believes that they will hatch conspiracies and frame the prime minister, telling the people that she is incompetent and incapable of leading the interim government. This is a big threat, and how she will deal with it remains to be seen.

The former Prime Minister Oli’s misgovernance has triggered a huge resentment among the people. The corruption as a result of poor governance was at its peak. Every day, a large number of young and competent youths were migrating abroad for better opportunities. Nepotism and favouritism were at their peak, with people having access to political heavyweights, enjoying the opportunities. Karki must demonstrate that she will prioritise meritocracy over nepotism. At the same time, she has to ensure good governance and improving service delivery. Her past judicial experience helps her to work in the true spirit of service.

Economically, the country suffered a lot. The business reported staggering losses, with the Hotel Association estimating damages of over 20 billion in just two days. The shops were looted by some infiltrators during the agitation. Likewise, thousands lost their jobs, and government offices were destroyed. Relief, compensation and rebuilding measures should arrive swiftly. Her mettle will be tested here as well.

Soon after assuming the office, she vowed to hold the election within six months. This is not as easy a task as it looks. Bangladesh offers a different perspective on how an interim government slips into uncertainty and power struggles. The parliament was dissolved after the resignation of the prime minister, who fled the country. An interim government was formed under the leadership of former peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Now, Yunus wavers between reforms and the election. More than a year has passed since he assumed office as head of an interim government. Yet he has no clear date of election despite announcing the plans for February 2026.

No saner mind would doubt the capability of Sushila Karki as head of the interim government. No one would dare to challenge her credentials. But given the corrupt mindset of the ousted politicians and their intent to play the spoilsport, holding an election within six months presents a daunting challenge.

The restoration of law and order will equally pose a grave threat to her. During the agitation, many inmates, taking advantage of the situation, escaped jails from across the country. Some were arrested by the security personnel, while many still remain at large. This poses a grave threat to security.

The international community has wholeheartedly welcomed the appointment of Karki to head the interim government. They will be closely observing her efforts in restoring peace and stability in the country. Likewise, they will also be watching closely whether Nepal will be able to hold a credible election and avoid further chaos.

As a chief justice, she never compromised on her integrity and always defended the core values of the judiciary. However, politics requires compromise, and every concession she makes will be scrutinised by the people who see her as a principled figure. Any wrong move can damage the trust that elevated her to this role.

At present, the people pin hope on her, thinking she will bail the country out of crises. They also believe that Karki, supported by Gen Z and her ministers in the interim cabinet, will not let them down. Their hope to see a new and prosperous Nepal entirely hinges on Sushila Karki as head of the interim government. To say, she carries the hope of a frustrated generation and a weary nation. Her upcoming days will be extremely difficult, but they will determine whether Karki’s tenure laid the foundation for lasting transformation or was just another fleeting chapter in Nepal’s troubled politics. We wish her a successful tenure.