Sushila Karki, former chief justice of Nepal, is poised to become interim prime minister following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli amid violent youth-led protests.
The protests left 51 people dead and more than 1,300 injured this week as police clashed with demonstrators enraged by corruption allegations, economic stagnation, and a controversial ban on social media that has since been lifted.
According to Reuters, a constitutional expert consulted by President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel said Karki is the “favoured choice”.
“Sushila Karki will be appointed interim prime minister. They (Gen Z) want her. This will happen today,” the source said.
Her appointment is expected to be formalised after a meeting at Paudel’s residence on Friday afternoon.
Karki, 73, Nepal’s first and only female chief justice, is widely respected for her integrity and anti-corruption stance. She served in the role until her retirement in 2017.
Oli, 73, announced his resignation on Tuesday, saying it was necessary to “take further steps towards a political solution and resolution of the problems”.
The unrest turned violent as protesters attacked and vandalised the homes of several political leaders.
In Kathmandu, Rabi Laxmi Chitrakar, wife of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal, died after protesters reportedly trapped her inside their home and set it ablaze.
Binod Ghimire, police spokesperson, said the fatalities included 21 protesters, nine prisoners, three police officers and 18 others.
