Nepal’s President dissolves parliament; elections scheduled for March 2026

In a dramatic political shift triggered by weeks of nationwide unrest, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Paudel has dissolved the country’s parliament and announced new general elections for March 5, 2026.

The announcement came late Friday night (September 12), confirmed by the president's press adviser Kiran Pokhrel, as the country reels from the fallout of mass anti-government protests that have shaken the political establishment.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been appointed Prime Minister of an interim government, becoming the first woman in Nepal’s history to hold the post.

Sushila Karki was sworn in at 9pm local time on Friday. Her six-month caretaker administration is tasked with ensuring free and fair elections.

The move follows violent unrest led by the “Gen-Z Revolution”, a youth-driven protest movement against political corruption, economic mismanagement, and elite privilege.

On September 8, demonstrators stormed the Parliament building, setting parts of it on fire. The violent crackdown that followed left 19 people dead, a figure that has since risen to 51, according to local reports.

At least 51 people were killed in the crackdown.

Karki was appointed following consultations between the president, army leadership, and Gen-Z representatives. Her appointment is seen as a step toward restoring public trust during this critical period.

Sushila Karki previously made history in 2016 as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, known for her anti-corruption stance and judicial independence.