Nepal’s Gen Z Protesters Pick First Woman Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Interim Leader

In a remarkable turn of events following days of violent upheaval, Nepal’s Gen Z protesters have nominated former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as their choice to lead an interim government. The decision was reached after more than 5,000 young people participated in a virtual meeting to select a consensus candidate to steer the nation out of its current crisis, which saw the ouster of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Initially, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was considered the frontrunner for the post. However, according to a representative of the youth movement quoted in Nepali media, he did not respond to repeated attempts to contact him. “Since he did not take our calls, the discussion shifted to other names. The most support has gone to Sushila Karki,” the representative stated. Karki, who had reportedly been approached earlier, had requested at least 1,000 written signatures as a demonstration of support. Sources now indicate she has received over 2,500 signatures, significantly exceeding her demand.

While Karki emerged as the clear favourite, other prominent figures were also discussed, including Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising, youth leader Sagar Dhakal, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. Despite the popular backing, the path forward remains complex. If Karki accepts the proposal, experts suggest she would first need to meet with Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel before seeking the formal approval of President Ram Chandra Poudel.

The move comes after days of unprecedented protests against corruption and a since-revoked social media ban, which left at least 22 people dead. The unrest saw demonstrators torching the Parliament, the President’s office, and the Prime Minister’s residence, alongside attacks on the homes of senior leaders, including that of Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.

Sushila Karki, 72, is a widely respected figure in Nepal, known for her integrity and fearless judgments during her tenure as the country’s first and only female Chief Justice. Appointed in 2016, she built a formidable reputation as an incorruptible force within the judiciary.