Who will be next PM of Nepal?

 

Who will be next PM of Nepal?



As of September 12, 2025, Nepal is experiencing significant political turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on September 9, 2025. The Nepal Army has taken control of security in Kathmandu and other areas, and President Ram Chandra Paudel is engaged in consultations with army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel and protest leaders to form an interim government. The constitution requires a new Prime Minister to command a parliamentary majority, but the ongoing unrest and demands for parliamentary dissolution complicate this process. No permanent successor has been appointed yet, and an interim leader is expected imminently to stabilize the situation and potentially oversee new elections within six months to a year.

Based on the latest reports, Sushila Karki, Nepal's former Chief Justice (2016–2017), is the most likely candidate to become the interim Prime Minister. She is widely regarded for her integrity and anti-corruption stance, making her a favored choice among the young protesters leading the movement. Key developments include:

  • A constitutional expert close to the President and Army Chief stated on September 12 that Karki "will be appointed interim prime minister" today, driven by demands from the "Gen Z" protesters.
  • On September 11, Gen Z leader Ojaswi publicly endorsed Karki, emphasizing her potential to "build this nation" and calling for an interim government, parliament dissolution, and elections.
  • Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah (a popular figure among youth) also endorsed Karki on September 11, urging patience for a stable interim setup.

However, there is some division among protesters: A minority faction proposed Kulman Ghising (an electrical engineer who resolved Nepal's power crisis as head of the Nepal Electricity Authority) as an alternative, citing Karki's age (73) and constitutional concerns about former judges in executive roles. Ghising was removed from his post by Oli's government in March 2025, boosting his anti-corruption credentials. Other names like Harka Sampang (Mayor of Dharan) have been floated but quickly dismissed as "not competent enough."

Potential Long-Term Successors

For a permanent Prime Minister, new elections are anticipated before November 2027 (or earlier if parliament dissolves), and the outcome will depend on the ruling coalition (CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and Maoist Centre) or a new youth-led wave. Frontrunners based on speculation include:

  • Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old independent Kathmandu Mayor and former rapper is a youth icon, credited with anti-corruption initiatives. Online campaigns position him as the "voice of a new generation," and he could lead if independents gain traction in elections.
  • Kulman Ghising: If the interim role goes to him, he could transition to a full term, given his popularity for economic reforms.
  • Rabi Lamichhane: A former Deputy Prime Minister and journalist, seen as a "dark horse" with experience but tainted by a citizenship controversy.
  • Traditional figures like Sher Bahadur Deuba (Nepali Congress leader) could return if the coalition holds, but protester demands make this unlikely.

The situation remains fluid, with the Army's role and constitutional limits adding uncertainty. For real-time updates, monitor official announcements from the President's office.

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