Prime Minister Sushila Karki stands on the verge of securing a historic milestone in Nepali politics as the country prepares to hold the long-awaited House of Representatives (HoR) election on March 5. With only days remaining before voting, the successful conduct of the election would mark a decisive step toward restoring constitutional order following months of political turbulence.

Appointed head of the interim government amid extraordinary unrest, Karki assumed office at a time when the nation was reeling from instability triggered by the September 8–9, 2025, Gen Z uprising. The unprecedented youth-led protest, initially described variously as a rebellion, uprising, or movement, ultimately led to the collapse of the government headed by KP Sharma Oli, dissolution of the HoR, and formation of an interim administration mandated to hold fresh elections within six months.

From Upheaval to Transition

Following Oli’s resignation on September 9, President Ram Chandra Paudel played a crucial constitutional role in facilitating dialogue among stakeholders and appointing Karki as prime minister on September 12. The period was marked by uncertainty, widespread property damage, and the tragic loss of more than 70 lives, including students.

The unrest also inflicted heavy institutional damage. Over 14,000 inmates reportedly escaped from prisons across the country, while approximately 1,300 firearms were looted. Security agencies, particularly the Nepal Police, suffered severe setbacks, both operationally and in morale.

Against this backdrop, the interim government faced the formidable challenge of restoring public confidence, rebuilding security infrastructure, and creating an environment conducive to elections.

Balancing Political and Public Expectations

The Gen Z groups that spearheaded the protests maintained a strong anti-establishment stance, while traditional political forces-including the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (UML)-expressed reservations about the dissolution of the HoR, even seeking judicial intervention for its reinstatement.

Navigating these tensions required careful political balancing. Karki’s government initiated continuous dialogue with youth leaders and party representatives, gradually building mutual trust around the shared objective of conducting elections as a constitutional outlet to the crisis.

The formation of a probe commission to investigate the September events responded to demands from multiple sides and helped ease political friction. At the same time, diplomatic outreach reassured the international community about Nepal’s commitment to democratic continuity.

Institutional Recovery and Election Readiness

Significant progress has been reported in restoring security and administrative order. By December 2025, authorities had recovered 723 of the looted firearms and returned nearly 10,000 escaped inmates to custody. More than 465 damaged police offices have resumed operations.

These efforts have been instrumental in rebuilding institutional morale and ensuring nationwide preparedness for the polls. The Election Commission, security agencies, political parties, candidates, and voters now appear aligned in anticipation of the March 5 vote.

Inclusive Political Momentum

Karki strengthened her Cabinet by inducting experienced administrators and security experts, including former bureaucrats and professionals, while also incorporating younger faces to reflect the aspirations of the protest movement. The appointment of Rameshwor Prasad Khanal as Finance Minister, for instance, was viewed as critical in mobilizing resources for election management and reviving private sector confidence.

Meanwhile, internal shifts within major parties have further energized the political landscape. The election of Gagan Thapa as president of the Nepali Congress through a special convention signaled generational change within traditional political structures. Newer forces such as the Rastriya Swatantra Party and other emerging groups have also joined the electoral fray, broadening democratic participation.

A Defining Moment

With cross-party participation confirmed and security arrangements in place, Nepal stands at a decisive juncture. For Prime Minister Karki, who previously earned recognition for her assertive tenure in the judiciary, the successful conduct of the HoR election would represent a defining chapter in her public career and in Nepal’s democratic trajectory.

If the March 5 election proceeds smoothly, it will not only conclude the interim phase but also symbolize the country’s resilience in the face of upheaval, transforming a moment of crisis into an opportunity for democratic renewal.