Editorial Praises Former PM Sushila Karki for Steering Nepal Through Crisis and Ensuring Timely Elections

In Nepal's political history, there are figures who succeeded in guiding the nation in the right direction during difficult times. For instance, a decade ago, in 2072 BS, then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala ensured the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal, institutionalizing the Federal Democratic Republic established by the popularly elected Constituent Assembly. Similarly, the latest name is Sushila Karki, who took charge of the interim government six months ago on Bhadra 27 in adverse circumstances. Following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli due to the inability to contain the Gen Z movement in Bhadra, she brought the constitution, which had 'derailed,' back on the 'track' through her strong will, insight, and dedication. History will proudly remember Prime Minister Karki, who successfully completed the House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21 as per her assigned responsibility, as the 'Iron Lady'.

For the ten years since the promulgation of Nepal's constitution, the post of Prime Minister had merely become a 'tested' musical chair for three leaders—KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Prachanda—and their style of governance, focused on enriching their cronies, had caused extreme frustration among the general public.

The living Gen Z generation, however, could not tolerate the spectacle and 'oligarchy' governance that their parental generation endured. For some time, they had been running campaigns on social media against the unnatural extravagance of 'Nepo Babies' and the widespread corruption in the country.

Meanwhile, on Bhadra 19, the government led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli imposed a ban on social media amidst widespread opposition.

In protest of that ban and demanding good governance, Gen Z demonstrators gathered at Maitighar in Kathmandu on the morning of Bhadra 23 and were marching towards the Parliament Building in New Baneshwor. However, instead of addressing the voice of the change-seeking youth, the Oli government decided to brutally suppress them by force of arms. Nineteen promising youths lost their lives on the first day—the streets turned red with blood, and hospitals were packed with the injured. This tragic incident created horror.

The next day, Bhadra 24, public outrage took the form of destruction. The masses transformed their pain and anger into flames. Government structures such as Singha Durbar, the Parliament Building, the Supreme Court, the President's Office, various ministries, commercial establishments, and private properties were burned, pushing the country into a deep political crisis. In two days, 76 people lost their lives. Then-Prime Minister Oli, unable to hold onto power, was forced to resign and seek refuge with the army. The then House of Representatives also proved incapable of asserting its existence in the face of that raging anger.

Yes, in that political and constitutional vacuum, President Ramchandra Paudel, using great ingenuity, formed an interim government under the leadership of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki. The President assigned the interim government the responsibility of dissolving the then House of Representatives as per the demands of the protesting forces and holding elections within six months. Although provisions like the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the formation of a government from outside the parliament were not in the constitution, the nation accepted the President's decisions as conditions for saving the constitution due to the extraordinary circumstances.

Sushila Karki, appointed Prime Minister amidst the uncertain political situation, faced a mountain of challenges. The Prime Minister's office was burned; there wasn't even a chair to sit on.

On one hand, the Gen Z movement, though successful, saw the protesting youth force fragmented, while on the other hand, there was uncertainty about how the political parties would move forward. The trust and consensus of the parties were essential for successfully conducting the elections. With the House of Representatives already dissolved under pressure from the protesting side, it was not even clear if the parties would participate in the elections.

On the other hand, the morale of the security personnel had dropped. Various police stations were destroyed during the movement. Many weapons belonging to the security forces were looted, and thousands of prisoners escaped from jail. There was widespread doubt about how elections could be held peacefully until those looted weapons and escaped prisoners were recovered.

A large number of government vehicles were also destroyed by fire. In some places, there was a shortage of vehicles for security personnel to patrol. Equipping the security forces with resources and ensuring the necessary peace and security for the elections was a significant challenge at that time.

Furthermore, gaining the trust of the international community was equally important. The challenge for the government was not small in conducting the elections peacefully, impartially, and without rigging, not just technically, but in a manner acceptable to all. Direct dialogue between the parties and the government was not taking place, and some were increasing pressure for action against the responsible officials of the then government, security agencies, and administration who were directly or indirectly involved in suppressing the movement. Taking on the responsibility of holding elections within six months in such a situation was not merely a matter of courage. The nation's future, the stability of democracy, and the people's trust—everything rested on the shoulders of Prime Minister Sushila Karki; her efficiency was set to determine these outcomes.

The government formed a high-level commission to investigate the incidents during the movement, appeased the Gen Z youth, took the parties into confidence, and focused intently on the goal of holding elections even when the Election Commission had only three out of five commissioners.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki demonstrated restrained yet firm leadership. She brought the parties onto a single platform, engaged in dialogue with the protestors, and delivered a clear message: "Elections are indispensable for strengthening democracy."">

Her words contained not only firmness but also maternal affection. She addressed the protesting youth not with harsh words but with emotional appeal. She said, "Your demands are important, but elections are necessary to save democracy. Elections are the door that will open the path to fulfilling your demands."">

Initially, political parties were not confident that elections would take place. Some considered elections impossible. Prime Minister Sushila Karki built trust through continuous dialogue with stakeholders during that sensitive period of crisis and transition, eased the difficult situation, and ultimately ensured the successful completion of the elections.

The Gen Z protestors also showed maturity and did not try to disrupt the elections. Even though their demands were not met immediately, their refusal to obstruct the democratic process was proof of their political awareness. The established political parties commendably participated in the elections, knowing well that their standing might diminish after the polls.

Even with only three out of five commissioners, the Election Commission managed excellently. Despite limited manpower and resources, the Commission organized the elections systematically. Security forces were deployed, the public was reassured, and ultimately, peaceful and free elections were held on schedule.

The sovereign Nepali people strengthened democracy by casting their votes.

The vote counting is almost complete. For the old political parties, this mandate appears somewhat unwelcome. However, they too have found no ground to question the impartiality of the elections. The fact that the credibility of the elections has not been questioned from any quarter clearly demonstrates that the government led by Sushila Karki succeeded in fulfilling its primary responsibility.

The first female Chief Justice, by becoming the first female Prime Minister amidst adverse circumstances, not only created history but also rendered an unforgettable service to the nation by successfully completing her main responsibility in time while leading the government, bringing democracy and the constitution back on track.

Eight days after Sushila Karki was appointed Prime Minister, on Constitution Day on Ashoj 3, we wrote in our editorial: "Focus intently on the general election to save the constitution."

...If this constitution, which holds the soul of the Democratic Republic, Federalism, Secularism, and Inclusiveness, is not saved, our beautiful country will enter the terrifying tunnel of civil war. Instead of becoming prey to the tiger of the mind by weaving various conspiracy theories, it would be wise for the parties to understand the ground-level danger and ensure the success of the elections declared for Falgun 21.

And, the interim government must also focus intently on successfully conducting the House of Representatives elections scheduled for Falgun 21, while managing the country's daily administration and maintaining peace and order in society, instead of becoming a crow in the fog.

If the interim government conducts the elections freely and impartially in a fear-free environment, it will be deemed to have rendered an unforgettable service to the nation.

Our best wishes are that we get to congratulate the political parties, the interim government, and the Election Commission for successfully conducting the general election peacefully and freely at the end of Falgun...

Congratulations!

Today, we are extremely delighted to be able to write congratulations in this manner. Well done, Gen Z youth, well done political parties, well done Election Commission, well done interim government!

Simply saying 'well done' is insufficient for Prime Minister Sushila Karki, who dared to fix the country ruined by the 'father figure' and succeeded in becoming the nation's capable mother. Prime Minister Sushila Karki is reaching the stage of handing over power to a popularly elected government by successfully completing the independent, impartial, and peaceful elections within the stipulated time. She brought stability to democracy and secured the Federal Democratic Republic. Her determined leadership will be a source of inspiration for future generations of Nepal.

On the eighth day of her appointment as Prime Minister, on Constitution Day on Ashoj 3, Sudhan Gurung, an activist of the Gen Z movement, touched Sushila Karki's feet at the President's residence; today, the entire nation, along with us, bows to her with pride!