Nepal Army and Protest Leaders in Talks Over Interim Government Amid Political Crisis

With Oli’s Resignation, Nepal Faces Historic Turning Point As Army Engages Youth Protest Movement For Leadership

In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal suddenly seems poised for political change after army leaders initiated dialogue with the leaders of the ‘Gen Z’ protest movement, after several days of unrest that left dozens dead and forced K.P. Sharma Oli to resign from the position of Prime Minister.

The original protests against the controversial social media ban soon evolved into a national movement against corruption, unemployment, and the perceived complacency of the country's political elite. The government's first crackdown, with many civilian casualties, enraged the people even further and caused the total collapse of law and order.

Army, Protesters Eye Interim Leadership Shift

With political leadership in disarray, the Nepal Army has played a pivotal role in restoring peace and guiding the country toward a solution. A spokesperson for the army confirmed that negotiations were underway with leaders of the youth-led movement to identify a transitional leader who will restore public confidence and pave the way for future elections.

Two names have come up as top contenders for the post of interim Prime Minister: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) head Kulman Ghising.

Sushila Karki, the country's first female Chief Justice, is a well-liked individual renowned for her anti-corruption stance throughout her career. She has been nominated as the favored candidate by the 'Gen Z’ movement, with over 2,500 having signed in support of her nomination. As reported by India Today, sources indicated that Karki had accepted the offer and is now seeking a meeting with military and presidential leaders.

At the same time, Kulman Ghising, who is generally credited with ending Nepal's recurring power outages, has also been spoken of as a possible contender. His image as an efficient public servant has made him the darling of many who are disenchanted with established political leaders.

Can Army-Protester Talks Deliver an Interim Government?

The protesters have shunned mainly the possibility of a new government being formed from the current political parties, several of which are regarded as tainted by the country's corruption and instability. This has resulted in the rare circumstance of the army and the protest leaders negotiating beyond the constitutional procedure.

A curfew remains in place in the Kathmandu Valley until Thursday, with the army still in place to monitor security. While the situation remains delicate and discussions are ongoing, the most likely scenario is the formation of a new interim government. 

The international community, including India, is closely monitoring the situation, considering the safety of its nationals and the ongoing regional stability. However, the success of talks will ultimately depend on whether all parties are willing to come to a resolution that addresses the frustrations long felt by the Nepali people.