Clashes erupt among Nepal’s Gen Z protesters on selecting interim leader

Kathmandu witnessed fresh turmoil on Thursday as Gen Z protesters, who have been at the forefront of Nepal’s protests, clashed among themselves outside the Nepal Army headquarters, according to reports. 

The discord broke out when the army officials were holding discussions with protest representatives to decide on an interim leader following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

According to reports, arguments between factions turned into physical scuffles and punches were thrown.

One bloc of protesters reaffirmed their backing for former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, however, a second faction strongly opposed her candidature, citing constitutional restrictions that prevent ex-justices from taking up the prime minister’s post.

Instead, they rallied behind Kulman Ghising, the former chief of Nepal Electricity Authority, known for reforming the power sector.

Earlier, Nepal's President Ram Chandra Poudel said that efforts are being made to find a solution within the set framework as concerns are being raised about potential deviation from the constitutional course to settle the tense political situation in the country post Gen-Z revolution. 

He also urged all sides to have faith in the efforts being made to address the demands of the Gen-Z protesters while asking to cooperate calmly in maintaining peace and order in the country.

The President’s remarks have come at a time when the political parties, leaders and civil society activists are expressing fear about the fate of democracy if the solution deviates from the constitutional course.

With the Nepal Army taking the lead in negotiations with Gen-Z leaders, a certain group of people is out on the streets, demanding that democracy be preserved and any army rule be prevented. 

President Poudel has indicated he is in charge of the negotiation even though the Nepal Army and protesting Gen-Z leaders are discussing the future political course. The President is the ceremonial Commander-in-Chief of Nepal Army, as per the constitution.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki still appears to be the frontrunner to lead the next interim government. Kathmandu City Mayor Balen Shah has also thrown his weight behind Karki.

However, some Gen-Z leaders have also floated alternative names, including former Managing Director of Nepal Electricity Authority Kulman Ghising, stating that as per the constitutional provision, a person who has become the Chief Justice is ineligible to be appointed to any government position. Ghising is credited for ending the chronic loadshedding in the country.

Nepal's major political parties have also insisted on the need to follow the constitutional course.

By issuing a press statement, the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist-Leninist) or CPN (UML) stated that, following the resignation of Prime Minister Oli, the way forward must be sought constitutionally and democratically.

The party, whose chairperson is also the deposed Prime Minister, urged President Poudel to initiate meaningful dialogue in line with the spirit of the Constitution.

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) led by Puspa Kamal Dahal has also stressed finding the way out of the current transitional phase through constitutional means.

As concerns are being raised over the fate of democracy in the country, the movement called for finding solutions on the foundation of the Constitution and without deviating from the constitutional path.

(with inputs from syndicated feed)