Nepal's political deadlock deepens as Gen Z splits on interim chief choice

The stalemate over the appointment of an interim leader in Nepal persisted on Thursday, even as President Ramchandra Paudel urged restraint and pledged to seek a resolution to the country's crisis within the bounds of the Constitution.

- MPOST BUREAU

Despite days of unrest, the capital remained relatively calm, with army personnel patrolling key areas under extended curfew orders. Officials confirmed that the death toll from violent protests earlier this week has risen to 34.

The demonstrations, led largely by youth under the "Gen Z" banner, intensified after the removal of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Tuesday. Protesters have demanded sweeping political reforms and pressed for the formation of a transitional government.

Talks between Gen Z representatives and senior military officials stalled as the two sides debated who should lead the interim administration. Names under consideration included former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising, and Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang.

While some activists threw their weight behind Karki, others voiced preference for Ghising, leaving the leadership question unresolved. "We are holding rounds of talks with different stakeholders.