Kathmandu is witnessing an unprecedented youth-led political churn as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the frontrunner for Nepal’s interim government. The move comes after over 5,000 young people joined a virtual forum to nominate a leader in the wake of violent Gen Z-driven protests that erupted over corruption and a now-withdrawn social media ban.
Initially, Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was seen as the people’s choice, but his silence on repeated outreach shifted the momentum toward Karki. A youth participant told Nepali media, “Since he did not take our calls, the discussion shifted to other names. The most support has gone to Sushila Karki.”
Karki, approached earlier with the proposal, had asked for 1,000 signatures as proof of support. She has now reportedly secured more than 2,500 signatures, far exceeding her demand.
Other names floated in the discussion included Kulman Ghising (head of the Nepal Electricity Authority), youth activist Sagar Dhakal, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. YouTuber Random Nepali also gained traction but declared he would only step in if no other leader agreed.
If Karki accepts, analysts say she would first consult Army Chief Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, then seek approval from President Ram Chandra Poudel.
The backdrop to this dramatic political experiment is grim: protests have spiraled into arson, vandalism, and violent clashes, leaving at least 22 dead. Demonstrators torched Parliament House, the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s residence, party offices, and homes of senior leaders. Even Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, wife of ex-PM Sher Bahadur Deuba, narrowly escaped after her Kathmandu residence was attacked.
