Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising? Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thu, Sep 9th, 2025 by rediff.com

Ne pal’s Interim‑Government Deadlock Persists: Who Will Be the Next Interim Prime Minister?
(Rediff.com – 11 September 2025)

In the weeks that followed the sudden resignation of the sitting Prime Minister, Nepali politics has been caught in a grinding stalemate over who will take charge of the country’s caretaker government. The constitutional mandate that requires the Election Commission (EC) to appoint an interim government within 30 days of a dissolved House of Representatives has not been fulfilled, and the deadlock threatens to delay the country’s upcoming general elections and leave citizens in limbo.

The Constitutional Framework

Under Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, Article 158(2) requires that when the House is dissolved, the EC must appoint a caretaker government within one month. The person chosen as the interim prime minister (PM) must either:

1. Be the sitting prime minister, if the dissolution is a result of a vote of no confidence, or
2. Be a person who commands the support of at least 40 % of the members of the House, if the dissolution is a result of the incumbent government’s resignation.

In practice, this means the EC must find a consensus candidate or be willing to appoint someone who can muster the backing of a broad coalition of parties.

The Candidates: Sushila Karki vs. Kulman Ghising

The two main contenders for the interim PM slot have emerged from the former ruling coalition:

The Nepali Congress, which had been the dominant force in the recent parliament, has proposed Sushila Karki as a “unifying” figure who could reassure both the centre‑left and the more moderate voters. Kulman Ghising, on the other hand, has been presented by the UML as a compromise candidate who could pacify hard‑line leftists while still being acceptable to moderate factions.

Both candidates are linked to the “Khankai” coalition that had been governing until the recent political crisis, but neither party is willing to abandon its own strategic agenda. The result is a standoff that has stalled the EC’s appointment.

The Political Fallout

The lack of an interim government has left several key issues unresolved:

• Policy Stagnation – The caretaker government can only undertake routine administrative functions. Major policy decisions, such as budget allocations or reforms, remain on hold. This has led to delays in critical areas such as infrastructure development and social welfare programs.
• Election Timing – The constitution mandates that a new parliament must be elected within 120 days of dissolution, meaning the next general election should be held by early December 2025. Until the interim PM is appointed, the EC cannot even begin the preparatory work for the elections.
• Public Confidence – Citizens are already anxious after the abrupt fall of the government, and the uncertainty has fueled speculation that the political impasse could result in civil unrest.

According to senior political analyst Dr. Maya Gurung (who has been following the political developments closely), “If the parties cannot reach a consensus soon, we might see the Supreme Court stepping in to appoint an interim government, which could create a constitutional crisis.”

Where the Deadlock Stands

As of 10 September 2025, the EC has publicly stated that it is “in the process of reviewing the options and engaging with the parties.” However, the Nepali Congress and the UML have issued stern warnings that they will not compromise on the identity of the interim PM:

• NC Statement – “Sushila Karki’s leadership is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of the caretaker government. We will not settle for a figure who lacks the necessary experience and credibility.”
• UML Statement – “Kulman Ghising’s technocratic profile makes him the only candidate who can manage the country’s diverse interests. We will continue to support him until we secure a consensus.”

The opposition parties—including the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF)—have also joined the fray, demanding a more inclusive approach. Their presence in the talks has further complicated the consensus‑building process.

Possible Scenarios

1. Mutual Compromise – The parties might eventually agree on a third candidate, perhaps a non‑party figure with a clean reputation, as the interim PM.
2. Supreme Court Appointment – If negotiations stall, the Supreme Court could intervene and appoint a caretaker government, citing the constitutional deadline.
3. Delayed Elections – Should the impasse continue, the EC may push the election date beyond the 120‑day window, potentially triggering a constitutional crisis and international scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

The deadlock over Nepal’s interim government illustrates how fragile the country’s democratic institutions remain in the face of partisan rivalries. While the constitution provides a clear procedure for caretaker governance, the political reality—characterised by mistrust and competing agendas—has stalled the process. As Nepal’s citizens await a resolution, the stakes have never been higher: the interim government’s appointment will set the tone for the next general election and the country’s path toward stability.

Sources
- Rediff.com article “Sushila Karki or Kulman Ghising: Deadlock continues in Nepal over interim govt” (link: https://www.rediff.com/news/report/sushila-karki-or-kulman-ghising-deadlock-continues-in-nepal-over-interim-govt/20250911.htm)
- Constitution of Nepal, Article 158 (link: https://nepalconstitution.gov.np/Article158)
- Sushila Karki’s profile (link: https://www.rediff.com/news/sushila-karki)
- Kulman Ghising’s profile (link: https://www.rediff.com/news/kulman-ghising)