Sushila Karki Becomes Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister; Parliament Dissolved, Elections in March 2026
13 Sep 2025 13:06:27
Nepal got its first woman Prime Minister on Friday as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was sworn in as the country’s new interim Prime Minister. She took oath on Friday at Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu.
Her appointment came after the resignation of KP Sharma Oli earlier this week following weeks of youth led anti-corruption protests that demanded political accountability.
Hours after Karki assumed office, Nepal’s Parliament was formally dissolved late Friday, and fresh elections were scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Announcing the decision, the President’s Office said the dissolution was approved in the first cabinet meeting convened by Karki at 11 pm, starting a six month interim government to lead the country to elections.
“Honourable President Shri Ram Chandra Poudel, as per the recommendation of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Sushila Karki, has dissolved the current House of Representatives with effect from 11:00 PM on Friday, Bhadra 27, 2082 BS. The date for the election of the new House of Representatives has been fixed as Thursday, Falgun 21, 2082 BS (i.e. 5 March 2026),” the statement from the President’s Office read.
This came after nearly three days of violent protests that claimed 51 lives and left many injured. However, with the formation of the interim government, relative peace has now returned to Nepal.
India welcomed the formation of new interim government in Nepal and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a press release saying:
“We welcome the formation of a new Interim Government in Nepal, led by Right Honourable Mrs Sushila Karki. We are hopeful that this would help in fostering peace and stability.
As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes to newly elected PM. In a post on X, he wrote, “I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.”