House dissolved in Nepal; fresh elections slated for March 21, 2026

Nepal protest (AFP)

Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel on Friday dissolved the House of Representatives at the recommendation of newly appointed Prime Minister Sushila Karki, and announced fresh elections for March 21, 2026.

The dissolution took effect from 11 pm on September 12, according to a notice from the President’s Office.

Karki, 73, a former chief justice, was sworn in as Nepal’s first woman prime minister late Friday night, ending days of political deadlock after K P Sharma Oli stepped down amid violent protests over a social media ban. President Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to her under Article 80 of the Constitution.

“Hearty congratulations, you will succeed to save the country,” Paudel told her after the ceremony, which was attended by Nepal’s chief justice, senior officials, security chiefs, diplomats, and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai.

News of her appointment sparked celebrations in Kathmandu, with Gen Z activists—who spearheaded the agitation against Oli—gathering outside the President’s Office to cheer her elevation. Social media was flooded with posts hailing Karki’s rise, with one user writing: “Yes, this is my house, my college, now my country will also operate with the love, sacrifice and affection of the mother.”

Karki was chosen to head the interim government following consultations between President Paudel, Nepal’s military leadership, youth protest leaders, political parties, and civil society representatives.

*With PTI inputs