Nepal in crisis: Possible power brokers to fill political void

Shaken by deadly protests that ousted its veteran prime minister, Mr K.P. Sharma Oli, and set Parliament ablaze, Nepal faces the pressing question of who will step into the political void.

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KATHMANDU —

In the short term, the army has taken charge of the nation of 30 million people since the protests escalated on Sept 9.

The Nepali Army chief, General Ashok Raj Sigdel, on Sept 10 met key figures and "representatives of Gen Z," an army spokesman said, referring to the loose umbrella title of the young protesters, without giving further details.

But analysts warn that finding a "transitional arrangement" that carries legitimacy with ordinary Nepalis, especially disaffected youth, may prove a thorny task.

Here are the possible power brokers.

PRESIDENT AND PARLIAMENT Ms Sushila Karki, 73, a former Supreme Court chief justice who many see as a potential interim leader, said talks between parties were critical.

"Experts need to come together to figure out the way forward," Ms Karki told news agency AFP. "The Parliament still stands."