Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has become the frontrunner to lead Nepal’s proposed interim government after a virtual assembly of more than 5,000 young people debated potential candidates, following days of violent unrest over corruption and a since-revoked social media ban.

During the online meeting, several names were discussed. Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was initially viewed as the favourite, but participants said repeated attempts to reach him went unanswered. As a result, attention shifted to other figures, with Karki ultimately receiving the strongest backing.

“Since Balen did not respond, the support shifted towards Sushila Karki,” one participant told Nepali media.

Karki, who earlier asked for at least 1,000 written endorsements before considering the role, has reportedly gathered more than 2,500 signatures.

Other names floated included Kulman Ghising, head of the Nepal Electricity Authority; youth activist Sagar Dhakal; and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. Popular YouTuber Random Nepali also drew interest but stated he would only step forward if no established leader accepted the position.

Analysts say if Karki agrees, she would first consult Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel, followed by seeking approval from President Ram Chandra Poudel.

Violent Protests Force Change

The leadership debate comes in the aftermath of fierce Gen Z-led demonstrations that turned deadly, claiming at least 30 lives. On Monday, crowds stormed and set fire to Parliament, the President’s Office, the Prime Minister’s residence, political party headquarters, and homes of senior leaders.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, wife of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, was reportedly attacked when protesters forced entry into their Kathmandu residence. Acts of arson, looting, and clashes with security forces have spread across the capital and other cities, reflecting growing anger against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s administration.

Who is Sushila Karki?

At 72, Sushila Karki remains a trailblazer in Nepal’s legal and political history. In 2016, she became the country’s first female Chief Justice, appointed by then-President Bidya Devi Bhandari on the recommendation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s Constitutional Council.

Karki began her career as a teacher before moving into law, where she built a reputation for being principled and unafraid to challenge corruption. She contributed to the 2006 Constitutional Drafting Committee, later serving as an ad-hoc justice at the Supreme Court in 2009 and becoming a permanent member in 2010. She was briefly Acting Chief Justice in 2016 before officially assuming the top post later that year.

Her supporters within the youth movement describe her as honest, fearless, and incorruptible—qualities they see as essential to guide Nepal through its current political and social turmoil.