Kathmandu, September 11: Nepal President Ram Chandra Poudel on Thursday assured that every possible effort is being made to resolve the ongoing political crisis triggered by the Gen-Z protests, strictly within the constitutional framework.
“In the current difficult situation of the country, I am engaged in discussions and every possible effort is being made to find a solution within the constitutional framework so that we can provide a way forward for the nation, safeguard democracy, and maintain peace and order,” President Poudel said in a statement.
The President’s remarks came amid growing concerns from political parties, civil society, and citizens about the possibility of deviating from democratic norms after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli’s resignation earlier this week.
The Gen-Z protest movement, which forced Oli’s ouster, has now entered negotiations with the Nepal Army, which has imposed a curfew across Kathmandu Valley until Friday morning. While the Army is directly engaging with protest leaders, Poudel stressed that he remains in charge of the broader dialogue process as the constitutional Commander-in-Chief.
Meanwhile, names for the interim government are being actively debated. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is seen as the frontrunner, with support from Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, though questions have been raised about constitutional provisions barring former Chief Justices from holding government positions. Another name floated by Gen-Z leaders is Kulman Ghising, the former Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, credited with ending chronic load-shedding.
Major political parties, including CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), and Nepali Congress, have unanimously called for solutions within the constitutional order. “Any political solution sought outside the Constitution and the Legislature-Parliament would ultimately benefit regression,” said the Maoist Centre in a statement. Nepali Congress leaders Gagan Thapa and Bishow Prakash Sharma also warned that lawlessness would invite further chaos, urging both sides to adhere to legal and constitutional channels.
Madhes-based parties echoed this sentiment, stressing that republicanism, federalism, and inclusivity — hard-won achievements of past struggles — must not be reversed.
Civil society groups, including the Brihat Nagarik Andolan, have expressed concern about the Army’s role, accusing it of holding talks with groups that allegedly infiltrated and escalated the Gen-Z protests, causing widespread damage to state and private institutions.
