Kathmandu: Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel has urged citizens to remain patient as negotiations continue over the appointment of a new executive leader following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli amid violent student-led protests.
In a letter dated September 11, President Paudel said he was “deliberating and making every effort to find a way out of the current difficult situation within the constitutional framework and to protect democracy.” The statement came as pressure mounted on the President and the army to push Gen-Z representatives into finalising a name for the interim prime minister.
Talks between Gen-Z leaders, the President, and Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel resumed on Thursday, with several candidates under consideration. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising have been floated as options, along with Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.
Dozens of students gathered outside the army headquarters, waiting for news of the outcome, but no breakthrough was reported. An earlier meeting on Wednesday also failed to produce consensus.
An army spokesperson confirmed that discussions are ongoing with all stakeholders to maintain law and order while seeking a solution to the political impasse. However, he refrained from naming possible candidates.
The interim prime minister will be tasked with ensuring fresh elections within a stipulated period. Meanwhile, protests continued in parts of Kathmandu, with students demanding that constitutional values and democratic principles be upheld in the formation of the new government.
