With KP Oli’s resignation, the interim leadership debate has narrowed to a few key names:

1. Sushila Karki – Ex-Chief Justice, anti-corruption icon, widely backed by protesters (and endorsed by Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah). Constitution (2015) bars retired judges from executive roles. Protest groups want temporary/emergency amendments to allow her, while insisting they don’t seek wholesale constitutional change.

2. Kulman Ghising – Former energy chief who ended Nepal’s power crisis. Viewed as a competent technocrat and a legally safer option. Supported by a major Gen Z protest faction.

3. Balendra Shah (Balen) – Popular Mayor of Kathmandu, initially floated as a consensus choice. He declined but publicly endorsed Karki.

4. Harka Sampang – Twice-elected Mayor of Dharan, known for grassroots activism. Proposed by a minority group but dismissed as “not competent enough.”

Nepal’s next step hinges on whether factions unite behind Karki (popular but constitutionally tricky), Ghising (technocrat with fewer legal hurdles), or a new consensus figure who can bridge divides.