Constitutional dispute delays interim government talks

KATHMANDU: Scheduled decisive talks between President Ram Chandra Paudel and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, aimed at finalizing the formation of an interim government, have not yet begun, leaving the process uncertain.

The discussions, originally expected to start Friday morning at Shital Niwas, were intended to resolve constitutional and legal complexities so that Karki could take the oath as interim prime minister on the same day. However, negotiations have stalled.

“We have learned that the talks have not yet commenced. We remain in continuous discussion and dialogue with her,” said Gen Z leader Ashik Tamang. He added that the group insists the parliament must be dissolved before the formation of an interim government, a condition that President Paudel has not accepted.

While an almost final consensus has been reached on Karki leading the interim government, the sticking point lies in whether the parliament should be dissolved first. President Paudel, after consulting political parties, is reportedly reluctant to pursue the path of dissolution, whereas Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel and Karki maintain that an interim government should proceed only after this step.

Karki has reportedly committed to leading the interim government for six months and holding elections afterward. While the president agrees with holding elections, he disagrees with proceeding through parliamentary dissolution.

Negotiations continue with all parties, the army, the president, and Karki, engaging in separate discussions to resolve the impasse. However, as of now, direct talks between President Paudel and Karki have not yet occurred.

If consensus is reached on whether or not to dissolve parliament, Karki is expected to take the oath on Friday. The Nepal Army has tightened security arrangements in preparation for the potential swearing-in.

According to one of Karki’s aides, the aim is to form the interim government through constitutional means, with Karki prepared to lead it while navigating the parliamentary dissolution issue.