In a landmark moment for the Himalayan nation, Sushila Karki has been sworn in as Nepal’s Prime Minister, becoming the first woman to hold the office. Her appointment marks a dramatic turning point, steering the country away from a severe political crisis fueled by widespread anti-corruption protests and setting a new precedent for leadership.
The rise of Sushila Karki to the role of prime minister comes on the heels of intense unrest that led to the resignation of former PM KP Sharma Oli. The protests, largely driven by a disaffected Gen Z population demanding an end to graft and nepotism, created a power vacuum and a desperate need for a credible, unifying figure to guide the nation toward stability and elections.
A Mandate from the People
In an unprecedented move reflecting a new era of digital activism, Karki’s selection was solidified through a consensus-building process led by youth groups. She emerged as the most popular and acceptable candidate in a large-scale public vote organized on online platforms like Discord, demonstrating her rare cross-generational appeal. She is seen as a figure of integrity acceptable to both the youthful protest movement and traditional political parties seeking a credible transitional leader.
A Career Defined by Integrity and Courage
The new prime minister is no stranger to breaking barriers. Sushila Karki previously made history in 2016 when she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice. Her reputation as a fearless jurist with zero tolerance for corruption precedes her.
Throughout her illustrious legal career, Justice Karki was known for taking on powerful interests and delivering landmark judgments. She oversaw the conviction of a sitting minister for graft—a first in Nepal’s history—and issued progressive rulings on issues like women’s citizenship rights. Her unwavering principles often put her at odds with the political establishment, leading to an impeachment motion against her in 2017, which was later dropped under public pressure.
Colleagues and advocates universally praise her integrity. Senior advocate Bipin Adhikari noted, “She has always maintained a high level of integrity in her entire life.” Former Supreme Court justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai described her and her husband as “true Gandhians, not just in ideology but also in lifestyle.”
The Road Ahead
The challenges facing Prime Minister Karki are immense. She takes the helm of a nation recovering from violence and deep political distrust. Her immediate tasks will be to restore order, ensure a smooth transitional governance structure, and pave the way for free and fair elections.
While her lack of direct political experience is noted, her supporters argue that her judicial independence, moral authority, and courage are precisely what Nepal needs to reset its course. As she herself stated after her appointment, “We will try to establish a new beginning for the country.”
The eyes of the nation and the world are now on Sushila Karki, as this pioneering leader steps from the courtroom into the center of political power, tasked with healing a nation and forging a new path forward for Nepal.