Nepal's major political parties have demanded the country's President Ram Chandra Poudel reinstates the parliament he dissolved following deadly anti-corruption protests.
In a statement, eight parties - including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Centre - said the president acted unconstitutionally.
Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives on Friday upon the recommendation of newly-appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, fulfilling a key demand from the dissenting protest movement.
More than 50 people were killed in clashes with riot police during this week’s mass protests triggered by a ban on social media platforms. Karki was appointed after a deal was reached with protest leaders.
The ban was lifted on Monday; however, by then the protests had escalated into a wider movement. Angry crowds stormed the parliament and government buildings in Kathmandu, leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
On Saturday, the eight political parties argued that the actions taken by the president contradicted established judicial precedents, demanding that the protesters' concerns, including upcoming elections scheduled for March next year, be addressed through a democratically elected institution.
President Poudel has yet to respond to the political parties’ statement. Karki, the first woman to lead the impoverished nation, is anticipated to form her cabinet soon. With a reputation for integrity, she aims to restore law and order while dealing with the aftermath of the violent protests.
Another significant challenge will be ensuring justice for those affected by the violence during the protests. As security forces begin to withdraw, a crucial balance must be struck between addressing the grievances of the passionate Gen Z protesters and the broader concerns of the Nepalese populace regarding the stability of their young democracy.
The discontent brewing in Nepal has been exacerbated by a campaign highlighting corruption among the political elite, resonating particularly with younger citizens, who feel increasingly marginalized.
