Nepal’s interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has convened her first high-level talks with political parties and youth representatives since the violent anti-corruption protests in September that brought the previous government down. Officials said the meeting, held on Wednesday, marked a critical step toward restoring dialogue and trust among stakeholders ahead of the nation’s March 2026 elections. The discussions lasted four hours and included representatives of all major parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), the party of ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Speaking after the meeting, Karki, 73, highlighted the progress in fostering cooperation. “We have succeeded in creating an environment of cooperation and trust by ending the state of lack of dialogue,” she stated. The interim leader, who was appointed following the resignation of the previous government, emphasized that the meeting brought together political leaders and Gen Z representatives under the shared goal of holding fair, secure, and timely elections in Nepal, a country of 30 million people.
The September protests, which erupted on September 8–9 following a brief social media ban, reflected broader frustrations with corruption and economic hardship. At least 73 people lost their lives during the unrest, which saw parliament, courts, and government buildings set ablaze. The violence exposed deep distrust between citizens and established political parties, posing a significant challenge for the interim administration tasked with maintaining stability until the next elections.
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Karki’s media coordinator, Ram Rawal, explained that the meeting helped bridge the trust gap that had widened between youth activists and traditional political leaders. “After the protest, there was a trust gap between them,” Rawal said. “This meeting has helped create an environment of trust for the upcoming elections.” Communication Minister Jagadish Kharel described the session as “important and fruitful,” underlining its significance for national reconciliation and election preparedness.
Nepal’s economic fragility adds further complexity to the political transition. According to World Bank estimates, approximately 82 percent of the workforce is employed in the informal sector, while GDP per capita in 2024 stood at just $1,447. By engaging both the new generation and established political parties, Karki aims to stabilize the country, address calls for clean governance, and pave the way for a peaceful electoral process.
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