The President of Nepal, Ram Chandra Paudel, dissolved the country’s parliament on Saturday, calling for fresh elections on March 5 next year, a move swiftly criticised by leading political parties as unconstitutional.
The decision followed a recommendation from the interim government led by former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki, who was sworn in on Friday as Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister. Karki assumed office amid widespread protests against a ban on social media and alleged corruption that forced K P Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week.
Nepali Congress described the dissolution as “against the spirit of our Constitution and the interpretation of the Supreme Court. It is absolutely unconstitutional,” while the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist) and Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) also condemned the move.
Authorities gradually restored normalcy after two days of deadly protests that left over 50 people dead, including an Indian national. Shops, vegetable markets, and malls reopened, and traffic resumed on the streets of Kathmandu. Several government buildings damaged during the protests were being cleaned and repaired.
Prime Minister Karki visited the Civil Hospital in Baneshwor to meet those injured during the unrest. She is expected to form a small Cabinet on Sunday, holding key portfolios including Home, Defence, and Foreign Affairs.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki, calling her appointment “a shining example of women empowerment” and praised the resilience of Nepali citizens who contributed to recovery efforts.
“I extend my best wishes to Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal," Modi said.
"I want to congratulate Karki on behalf of 140 crore Indians. I am confident that she will pave the way for peace, stability, and prosperity in Nepal. Karki occupying the top post of that country is an example of women's empowerment” he added.
Also read: India remains committed to Nepal's peace: Modi on Karki’s rise
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said in a message, “Your assumption of this high office, at a critical and challenging time, is a reflection of the trust and confidence reposed in you by the people of Nepal."
The United Nations also offered support. “At this pivotal moment, the United Nations stands alongside the people of Nepal in their aspirations for peace, justice, transparency, accountability and progress,” UN Resident Coordinator Hanna Singer Hamdy said.
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake welcomed Karki’s leadership, expressing confidence that it would guide Nepal “towards a smooth return to lasting peace and democracy.”
Nepal’s hotel industry, severely impacted during the protests, urged the government to implement confidence-building measures for tourists and provide tax relief on building materials. Binayak Shah, president of the Hotel Association of Nepal, said, “Our industry will operate in full swing soon and we will rise again.”
The unrest began Monday, initially targeting social media restrictions, but escalated into a wider anti-government campaign reflecting public anger at corruption and political apathy.
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