Newly Appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki Takes Oath, Given Six-Month Mandate for Elections

Newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki has taken the oath of office and secrecy. Formerly the first female Chief Justice of Nepal, Karki was sworn in by President Ram Chandra Paudel at the Presidential Palace, Sheetal Niwas.

President Paudel’s Remarks

During the swearing-in ceremony, President Paudel extended his best wishes to the new Prime Minister, saying: “May you succeed, may you save the country.” In response, Karki simply expressed her gratitude, saying “Thank you.”

Attendees at the Ceremony

The special ceremony was attended by Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, the Chief Secretary, members of the diplomatic corps, and other high-ranking officials.
However, former prime ministers KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Sher Bahadur Deuba, Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Jhala Nath Khanal were notably absent.

Delay in Cabinet Formation

Although there was earlier speculation about forming a three-member Cabinet, sources confirmed that no agreement had yet been reached within the Gen-Z faction, which has delayed ministerial appointments. For now, all ministries will remain under the direct responsibility of Prime Minister Karki herself.

Mandate to Hold Elections

Appointing Karki under Article 61 of the Constitution, President Paudel has given her a clear mandate to conduct parliamentary elections within six months.
The appointment letter stated: “Exercising constitutional authority vested in the President to safeguard the Constitution and promote national unity, Sushila Karki has been appointed as Prime Minister of the interim government with the mandate to conduct House of Representatives elections within six months.”

With this swearing-in, Sushila Karki has become the first woman to lead Nepal’s interim government as Prime Minister.