Nepal's President Ramachandra Paudel has dissolved the Parliament on the recommendation of interim Prime Minister Sushilkumar Karki, with elections scheduled for March 5 next year. This follows weeks of violent protests leading to KP Sharma Oli's resignation.
Key Developments
- Interim Leadership: Sushilkumar Karki, former Chief Justice, appointed Nepal's interim Prime Minister; notable as country's first woman PM.
- Election Announcement: President's office declared March 5 polling date.
- Protest Context: Anti-government demonstrations over internet restrictions, corruption preceded Oli's exit.
- Cabinet Formation: Karki to form small cabinet with ~two dozen ministries including key portfolios.
Reactions & Concerns
- Criticism: Major political parties, Bar Association deem Parliament dissolution unconstitutional, democracy setback.
- Logistics: Prime Minister's Office faced fire damage; alternate arrangements underway.
Interim PM's Moves
- Karki visited Kathmandu's Civil Hospital to meet protest-injured.
- Political uncertainty period ended with Karki's Friday swearing-in.
Nepal's political landscape witnesses significant shift as electoral process kicks off.