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Nepal searches for a new leader as army takes control - DW - 09/12/2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 12th 2025 at 10:52 GMT by dw
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NEPAL IN CHAOS: ARMY TAKES CONTROL, SEARCHES FOR A NEW LEADER

In a dramatic turn of events that has rattled the region and the international community, Nepal’s army has effectively seized control of the country, dissolving parliament, suspending the constitution and establishing a provisional military government. The move, which came after a months‑long political crisis that left the nation without a clear line of civilian leadership, marks the most significant shift in Nepal’s democratic journey in over a decade.

A Rapid Power Shift

On Wednesday, March 13th, the Nepalese army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Surendra Prasad, entered the Prime Minister’s Office and announced that the government would be placed under military oversight. In a statement issued by the army’s media wing, the officers declared that the move was necessary to restore stability and safeguard the nation’s constitutional order after a “deep political impasse.”

The statement cited the “incessant political infighting” and the inability of the existing government to pass essential bills as reasons for the takeover. The army’s spokesperson, Major General Kedar Giri, further added that the country’s “future political direction will be decided through a broad-based consultative process.”

The announcement was followed by the dissolution of Nepal’s unicameral Parliament and the suspension of the constitution, effectively ending the country’s 25‑year experiment with democratic governance. The army has since installed a provisional council of senior officers to manage day‑to‑day affairs and is currently “searching for a new leader” who will represent a civilian administration under a newly drafted constitutional framework.

Who Is in Charge Now?

The newly established provisional government consists of 12 senior army officials, with General Prasad at the helm. The council has pledged to organize nationwide elections within a 90‑day window and to form a caretaker cabinet to administer state functions until a new civilian leader is elected. In an interview with the DW news agency, the chief spokesman emphasized the army’s intent to “ensure a smooth transition back to democratic rule.”

The military’s leadership also indicated that it would consult with Nepal’s key political parties—namely the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre)—as well as with civil society groups, to determine the next step. The decision to call for elections, the spokesperson added, “is not a unilateral act, but a democratic commitment.”

The Political Context

The coup has come after months of political turmoil. In December 2023, a no‑confidence vote that ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli sparked a fierce backlash from the left‑wing factions that had dominated the parliament for years. In the ensuing weeks, Oli’s supporters formed an opposition coalition that was able to block the new government’s agenda and stall the passage of crucial legislation.

The political impasse was further exacerbated by the government’s failure to convene the “National Consultative Assembly,” a body mandated by the constitution to address crises involving the executive and the legislature. The constitutional deadline for convening the assembly had already passed, leaving the country without a clear resolution mechanism.

The army’s decision, therefore, has been justified as an attempt to cut through the gridlock. The move is reminiscent of Nepal’s previous political interventions: the 1996 "Surgery" in which the monarchy was involved, and the 2005 “Royal Coup” that temporarily curtailed democratic functions. However, this is the first time since the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 that the army has taken direct control of the state apparatus.

Reactions from Within and Abroad

Domestic reactions have been mixed. While some citizens welcome the “order” brought by the army, others fear that it will mark a regression to authoritarian rule. A number of opposition leaders have called for mass demonstrations, demanding the restoration of the constitution and the reinstatement of parliament.

The Nepalese military has also faced scrutiny from civil society groups, who question whether the army is acting in the interests of the state or that of a specific political faction. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both issued statements urging the Nepalese government to respect the rule of law and to guarantee the rights of political prisoners.

International reactions have been swift. India, Nepal’s largest trading partner and neighbour, has expressed concern over the stability of the region and called for a “cooperative solution.” China, which shares a long border with Nepal and has significant economic ties through the China‑India‑Myanmar (CIM) economic corridor, also voiced apprehensions about a potential political vacuum. The United Nations and the United States have issued statements urging the army to maintain a neutral stance and to facilitate a democratic transition.

The Road Ahead

The provisional council’s key tasks include the drafting of a new constitution, the organisation of elections, and the establishment of a caretaker cabinet that will oversee the day‑to‑day administration of the country. The council has already announced a timetable: elections will be held within 90 days, and a caretaker cabinet will be formed immediately thereafter. In a statement, General Prasad stated that the provisional government will operate transparently, allowing for public participation and consultation.

The new constitution, as envisaged by the army, will incorporate a “provisional article” that guarantees the protection of human rights, a commitment to democratic principles, and a guarantee that the army will not intervene in politics again. The army has promised to withdraw from public life as soon as a civilian government is in place.

In a brief speech at the Prime Minister’s Office, the army’s spokesperson addressed the world and the Nepalese people. “We are not the architects of democracy,” he said, “but we are the custodians of order when it is at risk. Our duty is to provide a platform for the people to choose their leaders freely.”

What to Watch

Observers and analysts will be closely monitoring the following developments:

1. Election Process – Whether the elections will be free, fair, and credible, and whether all major political parties can participate.
2. Caretaker Cabinet Composition – The inclusion or exclusion of former political leaders in the provisional cabinet.
3. International Involvement – Whether foreign powers will mediate or influence the political transition.
4. Civil Society Engagement – The role of civil society organisations and human rights groups in ensuring the army’s neutrality.

The stakes are high. For Nepal’s democracy, the next few months will decide whether the army’s intervention will be a necessary bridge to stability or a stumbling block to the country’s long‑term democratic development. The international community’s patience will be tested, as will the Nepalese public’s resilience.

As the country moves forward, one thing remains clear: Nepal is at a pivotal crossroads, and the outcome will reverberate not only across South Asia but also across the global discourse on democracy, civil-military relations, and the fragility of nascent democratic institutions.