After Protests Oust Leaders, Engineer Ghising Likely to Head Nepal
Engineer Kul Man Ghising emerges as Nepal’s interim leader.
Kul Man Ghising, the electrical engineer celebrated for ending Nepal’s chronic power outages, is poised to become the country’s interim Prime Minister following three days of violent anti-corruption protests led by Generation Z activists. The unrest, which forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and President Ram Chandra Paudel to resign, has thrust Ghising, a non-political figure, into the spotlight as a unifying choice.
The ‘Gen Z protest’ group, after a six-hour virtual meeting, announced Ghising as their preferred candidate, calling him “a patriot and everyone’s favourite.” Other contenders included Kathmandu Mayor Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah, a popular figure among youth for his rapper persona, and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki. Shah declined the role, while Karki’s nomination was rejected by some protesters citing constitutional concerns and her age of 73.
The protests, initially sparked by a government ban on social media platforms like X and YouTube, escalated into demands for a corruption-free government and economic reform. The ban, which targeted platforms providing income for many unemployed Nepalis, was lifted, but not before protesters stormed Parliament and the historic Singha Durbar, setting government buildings ablaze. At least 31 people have died, and over 1,300 have been injured since Monday.
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Nepal’s Army, led by General Ashok Raj Sigdel, has taken temporary control, patrolling Kathmandu to maintain order. Sources indicate a state of emergency may be declared 48 hours before the new interim PM is sworn in. Under Nepal’s 2015 Constitution, the President appoints a new PM from the majority party or an MP who can face a confidence vote, with elections possible if the vote fails.
Ghising’s unexpected rise has sparked debates about rifts among protesters, particularly after Shah’s refusal and Karki’s rejection. As Nepal navigates this political crisis, Ghising’s reputation for integrity and problem-solving offers hope for stability. The Army has assured it will relinquish control once a new government is formed.
Also Read: Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising Threatens to Derail Democracy
