Nepal's President Dissolves Parliament, Calls for Snap Elections in March
Nepal has been plunged into a political crisis after President Ram Chandra Poudel dissolved parliament and announced fresh elections for March 5, 2025. The decision followed days of deadly anti-government protests that led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. Major political parties, including the Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre), have denounced the move as unconstitutional and a blow to democracy, setting the stage for significant political uncertainty in the Himalayan nation.
Unpacked:
The protests were sparked by the government's suspension of 26 social media platforms, widely seen as an attempt to silence political dissent, combined with public frustration over corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement.
Parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) argue that dissolving parliament bypasses legal procedures and undermines democratic norms, as the move was made by presidential decree rather than through constitutional mechanisms or a parliamentary vote.
After Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, Sushila Karki, Nepal's first female chief justice, was appointed interim Prime Minister following consultations with army and political leaders.
The Nepalese Gen Z protests resemble youth-led uprisings in Sri Lanka (2022) and Bangladesh (2024), which were also driven by dissatisfaction with corruption and economic mismanagement. Outcomes have varied, with Sri Lanka regaining stability and Bangladesh facing ongoing turmoil.