Nepal's First Female Leader Takes Office: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki Appointed Interim Prime Minister

Nepal Appoints Former Chief Justice as Interim Prime Minister and First Woman Leader KATHMANDU, Nepal - On Friday, September 10, President Ram Chandra Poudel appointed former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the interim prime minister of Nepal, marking a significant milestone in the country's history. Karki, 73, is the first woman to hold the position. Karki was sworn in at the presidential residence in a small ceremony broadcast on state-run television. Politicians, officials, and foreign diplomats were present to congratulate her. "I am honored to serve my country in this capacity," Karki said after taking the oath of office. The appointment comes as a result of the collapse of the previous administration due to widespread protests that began in August. The demonstrations, led by opposition parties, demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his government over allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Karki's appointment has been welcomed by some lawmakers who see her as a symbol of hope for change. "She is a respected figure with a strong track record of fighting against corruption," said Bimalendra Nidhi, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress party. "We are confident that she will bring stability and integrity to the government." However, not all lawmakers share this optimism. Some have expressed concerns about Karki's ability to lead the country in its current state. "She may be a respected judge, but she lacks experience in governance," said Pramod Dahal, a member of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). "We need someone with more practical knowledge of how to run the country." Karki's background as a former chief justice is seen as an asset by some. During her tenure from 2016 to 2017, she was known for her stand against corruption in the government. Some lawmakers tried to impeach her in April 2017, accusing her of bias, but the move was unsuccessful. The appointment of Karki as interim prime minister is seen as a temporary measure until new elections can be held. The country's parliament is expected to convene soon to discuss the formation of a new government and schedule fresh polls. As Nepal navigates this challenging period, many are watching with bated breath to see how Karki will perform in her new role. "She has a tough task ahead of her," said Dipendra Paudel, a political analyst. "But if anyone can bring stability and integrity to the government, it's Sushila Karki." Background: Nepal is a federal democratic republic with a parliamentary system of government. The country has been plagued by corruption and mismanagement in recent years, leading to widespread protests and demands for change. Additional Perspectives: "Karki's appointment is a positive step towards ensuring that the government is accountable to the people," said Sujan Shrestha, a human rights activist. "We need to give her a chance to prove herself," said Keshav Bahadur Bista, a senior leader of the Nepali Congress party. Current Status: Karki's appointment as interim prime minister has been welcomed by some lawmakers and citizens. However, others have expressed concerns about her ability to lead the country in its current state. The country's parliament is expected to convene soon to discuss the formation of a new government and schedule fresh polls. *Reporting by Npr.*