Nepal Dissolves Parliament, Calls March Elections after Naming Sushila Karki Interim Prime Minister

Lead: Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament on September 13 and scheduled fresh elections for March 5, 2026, following last week’s deadly unrest and the appointment of former chief justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister.

Nut Graf: The historic move installs Nepal’s first female head of government amid mass “Gen Z”-led anti-corruption protests that toppled the previous administration. Karki faces the urgent task of restoring stability and organizing national polls within six months.

Interim Cabinet and Election Timeline

President Poudel swore in 73-year-old Sushila Karki on September 12 after intense talks with army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and protest representatives.
Parliament dissolution clears the path for elections on March 5, 2026, as recommended by the new interim premier.

Unrest and Political Fallout

Protests ignited on social media platform bans, then broadened into a youth-driven campaign against elite corruption, leaving at least 51 dead and more than 1,300 injured in clashes with security forces.
Demonstrators razed key government buildings in Kathmandu, including the parliamentary complex, forcing Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation on September 9.

Karki’s Mandate and Challenges

As a renowned anti-corruption jurist and former Supreme Court chief justice, Karki was the protesters’ preferred candidate for a politically neutral caretaker government.
She must oversee judicial and legislative recovery, lift remaining emergency measures, and ensure free elections within constitutional deadlines.

Regional and International Reactions

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki, expressing hope for peace and prosperity in Nepal’s neighborhood.
Observers warn the rapid dissolution process may face constitutional scrutiny, but agree it is the only viable path amid institutional collapse.

Looking Ahead

Security forces have begun easing curfews in Kathmandu as daily life resumes.
Karki’s government is expected to announce a full ministerial lineup within days to manage election preparations and nationwide governance until the vote.