Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead Nepal's interim government, first woman to get top job

Nepal's former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has officially become the interim Prime Minister of the country after she took oath of office on Friday night, four days after former PM KP Sharma Oli quit following massive anti-corruption protests against his government. She is the first woman to hold the office of Nepal's prime minister.

Nepal's President, Ram Chandra Paudel, administered the oath of office to Karki at his residence at around 9.30 pm India time. She took oath under Article 80 of the Constitution of Nepal.

Right after her swearing-in, Karki held the first Cabinet meeting of her government and proposed holding fresh



general elections on March 4, 2026.

A formal announcement on the next general elections to be held within the next six months is likely to be made soon.

Karki may also recommend imposing emergency, considering the current situation in the country.

Following the Cabinet’s recommendation, the President is expected to give approval, and the state of emergency will come into effect across Nepal.

Earlier on Friday, Nepal's Gen Z group announced that they agreed to accept the leadership of Sushila Karki, laying out several conditions — including the dissolution of Parliament as a key demand.