What’s next for Nepal after deadly protests force PM out?
Nepal’s Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli stepped down on Tuesday following violent anti-government protests, plunging the poor Himalayan nation into fresh political turmoil.
“In view of the adverse situation in the country, I have resigned effective today to facilitate the solution to the problem and to help resolve it politically in accordance with the constitution,” Oli said in his resignation letter to President Ram Chandra Poudel.
The resignation came after demonstrators set fire to the homes of some of Nepal’s top political leaders, including those of President Poudel, and Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.
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Constitutional experts say Nepal could face prolonged political chaos unless a national unity government is formed.
“There is no clear constitutional provision for what should happen next in such circumstances,” said Bipin Adhikari, professor of constitutional law at Kathmandu University.
“One viable option is for the president to call for a comprehensive national consensus government. The prime minister should be selected from the parliament, as per the 2015 constitution, while ensuring the demands of Gen Z youths are acknowledged through their representation in this dialogue,” he told DW.
