Political Turmoil in Nepal: Calls to Reinstate Dissolved Parliament

Mon Oct 20 2025 03:12:32 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Major political parties in Nepal demand the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament following violent protests against government corruption and social media bans.

Nepal's political landscape is in turmoil as eight major parties have called for the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament, following deadly protests against a social media ban and government corruption. The president's actions are criticized as unconstitutional, highlighting a significant youth-led movement seeking change in the country's governance.

Nepal's major political parties have demanded the reinstatement of the country's parliament, which was dissolved by President Ram Chandra Poudel amidst deadly anti-corruption protests. In a statement released on Saturday, eight political groups, including the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, accused the president of acting unconstitutionally.

The dissolution occurred on Friday after recommendations from newly-appointed interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki, whose appointment was a key demand from the ongoing protests that erupted after the government implemented a ban on social media platforms. This ban, which resulted in more than 50 casualties during protests, was lifted, but the unrest has continued to escalate.

On Tuesday, protesters stormed and set fire to the Singha Durbar palace, which houses parliamentary and government offices, further compounding the crisis and leading to the resignation of then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. The chief whips from the eight parties articulated that the parliamentary dissolution contradicts judicial precedents, emphasizing that any demands from the movement should be addressed through a democratically elected body.

Though recent elections are scheduled for March 5 next year, the parties are advocating for the restoration of parliament to ensure a continued democratic process. The president has yet to respond to these demands.

Sushila Karki, a former Supreme Court chief justice and Nepal's first female Prime Minister, was sworn in amid this upheaval and is expected to appoint her cabinet shortly. Her administration faces the dual challenge of restoring order and addressing the concerns of a youth demographic represented by the 'Gen Z' movement, which has actively called for political reform and accountability.

The unrest in Nepal has highlighted broader issues with governmental integrity and youth discontent, exacerbated by recent revelations of corruption among the political elite. As the nation recovers from its most severe unrest in decades, the commitment needed to protect its democratic institutions remains paramount.

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