Nepal is facing deep political turmoil following the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Violent protests have erupted across the country as factions of Gen-Z protestors hold discussions to decide who should lead Nepal next.
Rising Violence Across Nepal
Earlier this week, a fresh wave of unrest swept the country. Protestors set government and private buildings on fire, including Nepal's Parliament and Supreme Court. According to the Health Ministry, at least 30 people died, and over 1,000 were injured in the violence.
The homes of lawmakers and ministers were also torched. The protests are part of a growing anti-corruption movement that has no single leader. Talks between the protestors, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel are still ongoing.
However, reports suggest tensions remain high, with clashes breaking out among protestors backing different potential candidates.
Search for a New Prime Minister
Amid this chaos, four prominent figures have emerged as possible contenders for the prime minister’s position. They include Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, former Electricity Board chief Kulman Ghising, and Dharan Mayor Harka Raj Sampang Rai, popularly known as Harka Sampang.
Balendra Shah: The Voice of Youth
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen, has become a strong supporter of the Gen-Z protestors. Many young Nepalis view him as the “voice of a new generation.”
Shah holds degrees in civil and structural engineering but first gained fame as a rapper and lyricist in Nepal’s hip-hop scene. In 2022, he won the Kathmandu mayoral elections as an independent candidate, defeating established political parties.
Sushila Karki: Nepal’s First Female Chief Justice
The name of Sushila Karki surfaced after protestors consulted the secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving from July 2016 to June 2017. She delivered several landmark rulings, including one allowing women to pass citizenship rights to their children.
In 2017, political parties filed an impeachment motion against her, accusing her of interfering with executive decisions. The motion was later withdrawn. Despite the controversy, she remains respected for her bold decisions.
Kulman Ghising: The Man Who Ended Load-Shedding
Kulman Ghising, an electrical engineer, is celebrated for ending Nepal’s years-long power crisis.
He studied in India at the Regional Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, and earned a master’s degree from Tribhuvan University in Nepal. Ghising joined the Nepal Electricity Authority in 1994 and rose through the ranks.
In 2016, he became managing director and eliminated the country’s notorious 18-hour daily power cuts. However, his removal from the post by the Oli government in March 2025 sparked public outrage and criticism from opposition parties.
Harka Sampang: The Grassroots Leader
Harka Sampang, the independent mayor of Dharan, is another popular choice. Known for rejecting VIP privileges, he is seen as a leader who stays connected with ordinary citizens.
Sampang previously worked as a migrant laborer in Afghanistan. After returning home, he focused on local issues, gaining a strong following on social media. In 2022, he won the Dharan mayoral elections as an independent candidate.
No Final Decision Yet
Despite discussions, no agreement has been reached on who will lead Nepal. The Supreme Court has not intervened, and the talks continue amid widespread unrest.
As the protests grow, Nepal faces an uncertain future. The next prime minister will not only need to calm the anger in the streets but also rebuild trust in the country’s political system.