Table of Contents
Introduction
Amid the fiery protests and political vacuum in Nepal, a new and powerful name has emerged as a potential leader to guide the nation out of its current crisis: Sushila Karki. The country’s first and only female Chief Justice, Karki is now the top choice of the “Gen Z” protesters for the post of interim Prime Minister. This unexpected development signals a demand for a non-political, legally sound leader to restore order and oversee a transition to a new government.
Key Takeaways: The Rise of a New Candidate
- Who: Sushila Karki, the highly respected former Chief Justice of Nepal.
- The Demand: Protesters are proposing her name to be appointed as the interim Prime Minister.
- Why Her? The youth believe her deep knowledge of the law is essential to restore law and order during this chaotic period.
- Next Step: A delegation of protesters plans to formally propose her name to the Nepal Army chief.
A Jurist, Not a Politician: Why Protesters Trust Karki
After successfully forcing the resignation of the Prime Minister, the youth-led protest movement is now focused on the crucial next step: forming a credible transitional government. Their choice has fallen not on a seasoned politician, but on a respected jurist.
The protesters’ rationale is clear: in a nation where political institutions have been vandalized and law and order have collapsed, the need of the hour is a leader who understands and respects the constitution. Sushila Karki, with her long and distinguished career in the judiciary, is seen as a figure of integrity who stands above the corrupt political fray that the movement has been fighting against. She is viewed as a neutral administrator who can ensure a fair and just transition to new elections.
Who is Sushila Karki? A Look at Her Career
Born in Biratnagar in 1952, Sushila Karki has had a trailblazing career in Nepal’s legal system, which has been historically male-dominated.
- Early Career: She began her journey in law in 1979.
- Supreme Court: After years of practice, she was appointed as an ad-hoc judge to the Supreme Court in 2009 and became a permanent judge in 2010.
- A Historic Appointment: In a landmark moment for the country, she was appointed as the first female Chief Justice of Nepal in July 2016, a position she held until her retirement in June 2017.
Her tenure was marked by a reputation for being tough on corruption, which further adds to her appeal for the current protesters.
The Road Ahead: A Formal Proposal to the Army
The demand for Karki to lead the country is more than just a social media trend. A delegation representing the protesters has announced its intention to meet with the Chief of the Nepal Army. In this meeting, they plan to formally present their proposal to appoint Sushila Karki as the head of an interim government, which would be tasked with restoring normalcy and conducting fresh elections.
Conclusion
The proposal to make Sushila Karki the interim Prime Minister is a significant development in the ongoing Nepal crisis. It shows a maturing of the protest movement, as it shifts from outrage to a constructive search for a solution. While it remains to be seen how the political establishment and the military will respond to this demand, the nomination of a respected, non-political figure like Karki offers a potential pathway out of the current deadlock and towards a more stable future for Nepal.
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Sources:
- Livemint: For the initial report on the protesters’ demand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Sushila Karki?
Sushila Karki is a respected jurist and was the first and only female Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal, serving from 2016 to 2017.
Why do the protesters in Nepal want her as Prime Minister?
The protesters see her as a credible, non-political leader with a deep understanding of the law. They believe she can restore law and order and oversee a fair transition to a new government.
