In the weeks leading up to the ban, a viral “nepo kid” campaign had been gaining momentum on social media, exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and highlighting widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism.
Nepal’s political landscape is in a state of turmoil, as major political parties have united to demand the reinstatement of the Parliament, which was dissolved by President Ram Chandra Poudel following a week of deadly anti-corruption protests. In a joint statement, a coalition of eight parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and the Maoist Centre, have declared the president’s action unconstitutional.
The dramatic developments come after a period of intense civil unrest, sparked by a government ban on social media platforms that quickly escalated into a mass movement against corruption and political elites. The protests led to the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and the appointment of Sushila Karki, Nepal’s first female prime minister, to lead an interim government.
Unconstitutional Dissolution, Claim Political Leaders
The statement, signed by the chief whips of the eight parties, argues that the dissolution of the House of Representatives on Friday was a direct violation of Nepal’s constitution and disregarded judicial precedents. The dissolution was carried out on the recommendation of newly appointed interim Prime Minister Karki, and was a key demand of the “Gen Z” protest movement that had brought the country to a standstill.
While the student-led protesters demanded the move, the political parties insist that any demands for reform, including the newly announced elections for March 5, 2026, must be addressed through the institution of a popularly elected parliament. The political establishment views the presidential decision as an overreach that undermines the very democratic principles the country is built upon.
In a separate statement on Saturday, President Poudel urged all sides to maintain restraint and cooperate in holding the elections. He emphasized that the constitution, the parliamentary system, and the federal democratic republic were all “alive” and that the people had the opportunity to move towards a “more efficient democracy” through the six-month electoral process.
Sushila Karki: New Leader; Daunting Task
The political upheaval has thrust Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former Supreme Court chief justice, into the role of interim prime minister. Karki, who is widely respected for her clean image and a strong anti-corruption stance during her time on the bench, was sworn in during a brief ceremony in Kathmandu. Her appointment, a first for a woman in the impoverished Himalayan nation, was a direct result of a deal with protest leaders from the “Gen Z” movement.
However, her leadership faces formidable challenges. The new cabinet must restore law and order, which was shattered during the protests that saw angry crowds set fire to parliament and other government buildings. Another key task is the reconstruction of these damaged structures. Karki’s government must also navigate the tricky political waters of reassuring the young protesters who want fundamental change while also calming the fears of many Nepalis who are concerned about the future of their young democracy. A key priority will be to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
Protests Fuelled by Deeper Discontent
The protests, which have gradually subsided, were triggered by the government’s decision last week to ban 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. This initial act of government control quickly tapped into a much deeper well of public discontent. In the weeks leading up to the ban, a viral “nepo kid” campaign had been gaining momentum on social media, exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children and highlighting widespread allegations of corruption and nepotism.
The government’s hasty decision to lift the ban on Monday was too little, too late. By then, the protests had already gained unstoppable momentum, culminating in the burning of government buildings and the forced resignation of Prime Minister Oli. The protests resulted in over 70 deaths, with casualties including demonstrators, police officers, and prison inmates.
In her first address to the media, Interim Prime Minister Karki praised the “Gen Z” protesters for their role in bringing about change. She announced that those killed during the agitation would be recognized as “martyrs” and that their families would receive compensation. Karki also vowed to investigate the incidents of vandalism and provide assistance to those who suffered property damage. Acknowledging the country’s economic crisis, she stated that the interim government’s priority would be reconstruction and economic stability.
Nepal is slowly returning to a semblance of normalcy. The soldiers who were deployed to patrol the streets of Kathmandu have returned to their bases, and police stations and government offices that were vandalized are gradually resuming operations. However, the future of the nation remains uncertain as political parties clash over the legitimacy of the dissolved parliament and the path forward under the new interim leadership. The upcoming elections will be a crucial test for Nepal’s fragile democracy and its ability to heal the deep divisions exposed by the recent unrest.
