Kathmandu: Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has officially taken the oath of office and secrecy, becoming the first female Prime Minister of Nepal. President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath during a small but historic ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas on Friday morning.

Historic Appointment

Karki, who was Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, has now set another precedent by becoming the nation’s first woman to lead the government. President Poudel appointed her with the general consensus of the Gen-G movement, describing the move as a constitutional step to “untie the knot of the current difficult situation.”

“May the country be successful. May the people achieve success,” President Poudel said after administering the oath.

Interim Government and Upcoming Elections

Karki has been appointed as the head of an interim government, with elections to the House of Representatives scheduled within six months. The move follows the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and days of political turmoil after the violent suppression of Gen-G protests.

Cabinet Yet to Be Expanded

Although there were expectations of a cabinet announcement, Karki was the only one to take the oath today. She has taken charge of all ministries for the time being. Cabinet expansion and the dissolution of parliament will be carried out later, following a formal recommendation by the Council of Ministers.

Ceremony Attendees

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Raut, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, senior government officials, foreign diplomats, and key leaders of the Gen-G movement.