Nepal's former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki has become the country's interim prime minister after deadly anti-corruption protests ousted the government.
The 73-year-old was sworn in during a brief ceremony, making history as the first woman to lead the impoverished Himalayan nation, following a deal reached with protest leaders.
In recent events, more than 50 people were killed in clashes with riot police during mass protests triggered by a ban on social media platforms. While the ban was lifted, protests escalated, culminating in angry crowds setting fire to parliament and government buildings in Kathmandu, which forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
Earlier, President Ram Chandra Poudel's press adviser confirmed to the BBC that Karki would take the oath of office on Friday evening. The agreement for her appointment was reached after several days of consultations among leaders, legal experts, and the military.
In the wake of her new role, Karki's cabinet is expected to take shape swiftly. Acknowledged for her clean image, she has garnered support from the youth-driven "Gen Z" movement that seeks change in the political landscape.
However, Karki’s administration will have to tackle restoring law and order, rebuilding the damaged parliament, and addressing the introspective fears regarding the country's young democracy. Additionally, there is a pressing expectation for justice against those responsible for the violence.
Karki, born into a family connected to the Koirala political dynasty, reflected on the pivotal role her husband's support played in her rise from lawyer to chief justice in 2016. Yet, she is not without controversy, having faced an impeachment attempt during her stint as chief justice.
Following the social media ban, protests surged and illuminated deep-seated discontent towards the political elite, ignited by a campaign exposing the lavish lifestyles of politicians' children and the persistent allegations of corruption.
Currently, the army continues to patrol Kathmandu as the nation tries to regain stability amidst its worst unrest in decades. Karki's leadership may facilitate a new path for Nepal, but only if she can successfully unite the varied voices demanding change in the country's governance.
