Law Manthan

Nepal’s Path to a Directly Elected Prime Minister: Our Step-by-Step Guide

September 2025 has shaken us, protests led by our generation (Gen Z) have exploded after years of corruption, joblessness, and political games. Things boiled over after violent clashes killed more than 34 people.

Right now, Nepal is at a turning point.

What started as frustration with unemployment and nepotism has grown into something bigger:

  • We want parliament gone.
  • We want new leadership.
  • We want to vote directly for our Prime Minister.

Some of us even support figures like former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead an interim government until we reset the system.

Here’s how we can move from this crisis to a future where we, the people, choose our Prime Minister directly step by step, based on the Constitution of Nepal 2015.

Step 1: Build an Interim Government

To calm the chaos, we first need a neutral team to take charge.

  • The President of Nepal can act under Article 61 and call talks to pick an interim PM.
  • Since K. P. Sharma Oli resigned, the President uses emergency powers.
  • Possible names on the table: Sushila Karki, Kulman Ghising, Balen Shah, people known for clean images.
  • Once chosen, the interim PM takes oath under Article 80 and forms a small cabinet (max 25 ministers under Article 76(9)).
  • This government:
    • Handles daily tasks
    • Investigates deaths
    • Lifts curfews
    • Prepares for fresh elections

Why it matters: This gives us a clean slate while keeping basic systems running.

Step 2: Dissolve the Current Parliament

To start fresh, the old system has to go.

  • The interim PM asks the President to dissolve the House of Representatives under Article 85(1).
  • Once dissolved, Article 85(2) says new elections must be held within 6 months.
  • While no parliament exists, the interim government rules by ordinances under Article 114 (temporary laws).
  • The Supreme Court of Nepal can review the decision under Article 133 if challenged.

Why it matters: Ending the old parliament ends old power games and opens the door to reform.

Step 3: Hold Fresh Elections for a New Parliament

Next, we rebuild democratic structure but better this time.

  • The Election Commission of Nepal organizes polls under Article 245 with army security.
  • They register voters, set dates, and ensure fairness (international observers may watch).
  • The system mixes first-past-the-post and proportional representation under Article 84.
  • Candidates must meet clean record rules under Article 87.

Why it matters: This step lets us vote in new leaders and reset the system from scratch.

Step 4: Form Parliament and Elect a PM (Old Style)

Once results come in, the old rulebook still applies for now.

  • MPs take oaths under Article 88.
  • The President appoints as PM whoever gets majority support under Article 76(1).
  • If no one has it, coalitions form and must prove a majority within 30 days under Article 76(4).

Why it matters: This gives us a working government again, but it’s still the old system where parliament picks the PM. That’s what we want to change.

Step 5: Amend the Constitution for a Directly Elected PM

Here’s where we push for real reform.

  • MPs draft an amendment bill under Article 274(1) to let voters directly elect the PM.
  • It needs:
    • Two-thirds majority in both houses (184/275 MPs in lower house)
    • Approval from at least 4 of 7 provinces (Article 274(7))
  • The President ratifies it under Article 274(8).

Why it matters: This ends backroom deals and party boss politics. The PM will get a direct mandate from us.

Step 6: Start the Direct-PM Election System

Once the amendment passes, we lock in the timeline.

  • Most likely, this starts from the next national election in 2084 BS (2027–28 AD).
  • We’ll cast two votes:
    • One for our MP
    • One for our Prime Minister
  • If no candidate gets over 50%, a runoff election can decide.

Why it matters: We finally get to pick our national leader ourselves, not watch MPs bargain for weeks.

Challenges We Must Watch Out For

This path isn’t easy. We must stay alert.

  • Legal roadblocks and court cases
  • Old parties trying to block reforms
  • Delays from unrest or instability
  • Economic pain (joblessness, inflation)
  • Ensuring the army stays neutral under Article 267
  • Protecting human rights (United Nations guidelines + Part 3 of Constitution)

But if we stay united and clear on our goal, we can push through.

The Bottom Line: Our Generation’s Chance

We’re not just protesting, we’re rebuilding Nepal.

If we follow these steps, we can move from chaos to a future where:

  • Our voices count
  • Our leaders are chosen directly
  • Our democracy finally works for us

This is our chance to make history.
Let’s keep pushing and stay focused.

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