Nepal in Transition: President Dissolves Parliament, Sets Election Date After PM Resignation

Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel, on the advice of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, dissolved the House of Representatives, with the dissolution taking effect from 11:00 PM on September 12, 2025. Elections for a new House of Representatives are scheduled for March 21, 2026. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as Prime Minister, making her the first woman to hold the office in Nepal. She will lead an interim government. The dissolution of the House follows a period of political turmoil, triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid protests from youth groups against alleged corruption and social media limitations. President Poudel consulted with various political leaders, legal experts, and civil society figures before making the decision to appoint an acting Prime Minister. The news of Karki’s appointment led to celebrations by Gen Z groups outside the President’s office in Maharajganj, Kathmandu. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai. Protests, primarily by the Gen Z group, forced the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Key demands of the protesters included addressing corruption, ending perceived bias, and lifting restrictions on social media platforms. The recent protests saw at least 51 fatalities, including one Indian citizen. The new acting government, led by Prime Minister Karki, is mandated to conduct new parliamentary elections within six months. The ceremony was attended by key figures from the government, legal community, and diplomatic corps.