Nepal grapples with political chaos after Gen Z protests; whats next?
Following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Nepal is in a political flux. The Nepal Army has intervened to maintain order, appealing for peace and protecting key figures. Experts suggest an interim government is needed, with potential candidates including Balen Shah and Sushila Karki. Discussions are underway to form a national unity government that addresses Gen Z's demands and restores stability to the nation.
New Delhi: After the chaos and violence that swept across Nepal, dust is gradually setting in the Himalayan country. Political uncertainty is looming over the nation and experts contend that this is likely to drag on until a consensus is reached at. The situation will certainly take some time to unfold.
Right now, after PM KP Sharma Oli resigned and apparently fled the country, the Army provided protection to President Ram Chandra Poudel amid the vandalism and rampage. The protesters set ablaze many buildings -- including the private house of Prime Minister Oli in Kathmandu, Parliament, the President's office, Supreme Court and political party offices.
Nepal Army appeals for peace
The Nepal Army has appealed to the masses to stay calm and maintain peace. It has also asked the people not to damage government and private property. The Army, which is committed to protect the life and dignity of citizens, will be instrumental in bringing about normalcy and stability in the country.
The Army currently stands as the country’s only effective institution. In a televised address, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel has asked protesters to engage in dialogue while assuming responsibility for maintaining security. Under Nepal’s Constitution, the President holds a ceremonial role, but the Army operates under his authority.
Experts say that open discussions and consultations will be needed to arrive at a solution which is agreeable to all the parties. Many see the 10-year-old Constitution as almost dead, and therefore, deliberations will also be made to make amendments in the top document of the country.
Who will succeed Oli?
Just like it happened in Bangladesh, an interim government is likely to take over the reins of the country and tide over the crisis. But who will succeed Oli? One name that is doing the rounds is that of Balen Shah. He is Gen Z protesters' first choice, as the rapper is extremely popular among the youths. Shah studied structural engineering and later went on to become the Mayor of Kathmandu because of his people-centric policies. He also backed the protests while speaking against corruption and nepotism. Efforts are being made to reach a consensus on making Balen Shah the Prime Minister of the interim government.
Another contender for the post could be Sushila Karki, a former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nepal. She has been voicing her anger against corruption in government and high offices from public forums.
Discussions are going on to include some representatives from Gen Z, some respected professionals from their fields, as well as a few clean and honest politicians in the interim government. There is some support among Gen Z for Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala. He could be given a key position in the interim government.
National unity government
It is crucial that Nepal forms a national unity government so that the country moves towards stability and progress. The President has to call for a comprehensive national consensus government, while ensuring that the demands of Gen Z are recognised through their representation in the process of PM's selection, some experts pointed out.
The Army has to help the President during the transitional phase while an interim government is formed until the next elected administration takes office. For now, Article 267(6) could be invoked in the country, which allows deployment of Army during intense civil unrest. This is a time when the trust in governance needs to be rebuilt.