Nepal’s major political parties have demanded that President Ram Chandra Poudel reinstate the parliament he recently dissolved.
Eight parties, including the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Centre, criticized the move as unconstitutional. Their statement, signed by party chief whips, said the president acted against legal and democratic precedents.
Background: Parliament Dissolution and Protests
President Poudel dissolved the House of Representatives on Friday, following the recommendation of newly appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The move was also a key demand of ongoing protests led by students and young activists, often called the “Gen Z” movement.
The protests erupted after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Clashes with riot police left more than 50 people dead. Protesters set fire to parliament and government buildings in Kathmandu, forcing then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.
Interim Government and Challenges
Sushila Karki, a 73-year-old former Supreme Court chief justice and Nepal’s first female prime minister, was sworn in as interim leader. She is expected to form a cabinet in the coming days.
Karki enjoys strong support from Gen Z activists and is seen as a clean and credible leader. Her government faces major challenges: restoring law and order, rebuilding damaged institutions, addressing protesters’ demands, and ensuring justice for those responsible for the violence.
Calls for Democratic Process
The eight political parties insist that elections, scheduled for 5 March next year, should be held through a parliament elected by the people. They argue that protesters’ demands must be addressed within a democratic framework.
President Poudel urged restraint from all sides and emphasized that Nepal’s constitution, parliamentary system, and federal democratic republic remain intact. He encouraged peaceful elections to strengthen democracy.
Nepal Seeks Stability
With soldiers returning to their bases and social media restored, Nepal is slowly returning to normal. The country now faces a critical moment: balancing the demands of a young, active generation with the stability of its democratic institutions.
