Kathmandu: After a youth-led uprising toppled the government in Nepal, the protesters have now outlined a transitional authority framework, demanding an interim government, fresh elections within a year, and a limited role for the military.
The proposal calls for an interim government under the formal leadership of the president, operating through a Joint Civil-Military Crisis Management Council. The council would be led by former chief justice Sushila Karki as executive chair.
Under the framework, the Nepal Army’s role would be strictly limited to providing security, ensuring stability and offering impartial oversight. “The main goal of the interim government is to hold new elections, not to rule for a long time,” the statement declared.
The framework also set three non-negotiable conditions: a return to civilian rule through democratic elections within six to 12 months, a guarantee that the military will not have permanent control over policymaking or civilian governance, and accountability for those responsible for corruption, violence and abuse of power.
The group’s leaders insist that their movement stands for “change, not chaos.”
According to their statement, the movement was driven by “decades of intolerable corruption” and a desire to build a new Nepal based on honesty, fairness and democratic accountability.
“Our movement is not for destruction, but for accountability, transparency and justice,” the group said in a preface to its framework released Thursday.
Leaders of the Gen Z movement also condemned the arson, vandalism, looting and violent acts that accompanied recent protests, saying those involved “do not represent us or our generation.” They also asked authorities to identify and prosecute offenders “in accordance with the law, ensuring transparency and accountability.”
(Edited by Tony Rai)