Sushila Karki steps in as interim leader, parliament dissolved and March elections set amid calls for stability
Nepal lifted a dayslong curfew across Kathmandu and neighboring districts on Saturday, reopening markets and roads after a week of violent protests that left at least 51 people dead. Calm followed the appointment of former Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim prime minister and President Ram Chandra Poudel’s decision to dissolve parliament and schedule national elections for March 5.
Protests fueled by social media ban and wider grievances
The unrest began Monday over a short-lived ban on Facebook, X and YouTube, imposed after the platforms did not complete government registration and oversight requirements. The protests quickly escalated, with crowds attacking and burning state buildings, including parliament and the presidential residence, and police opening fire. Though the ban was reversed, broader frustrations over corruption, elite privilege and scarce jobs kept demonstrators on the streets. The self-described Gen Z movement has railed against political dynasties and so-called nepo kids living well while many young people leave the country to find work.
Security resets as K.P. Oli exits and Karki pledges service
Former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli resigned Tuesday and left his official residence as the army moved to secure key sites and facilitate talks among protest leaders, the military and the presidency. Karki, 73, was sworn in Friday and visited injured demonstrators in a Kathmandu hospital, promising to work in the national interest. Her earlier tenure as Nepal’s first female chief justice earned her a reputation for taking on graft. Police report that among the dead were protesters, several inmates killed during prison break attempts and three police officers.
Stability first, with partners watching
For Nepal’s fragile democracy, restoring order and protecting institutions must take precedence. Peaceful dissent should be safeguarded, but arson and assaults on state property erode the rule of law and threaten the forthcoming vote. Social media firms should comply with transparent local rules while authorities avoid overreach that chills speech. Western partners and regional allies can support with election assistance, policing best practices and humanitarian aid for the injured, helping prevent a power vacuum that would invite malign influence and disrupt trade and remittance flows critical to ordinary Nepalis.
What to watch before March 5
Key tests include whether Karki can keep security forces disciplined while holding violent actors to account, deliver a credible electoral timeline, and outline a targeted anti-corruption drive that addresses youth grievances. Markets will watch for signs of stability and whether social media oversight rules are narrowly tailored and consistently applied. Any relapse into street clashes could jeopardize voter turnout and economic recovery.