Nepal’s major parties criticize dissolution of parliament, urge reinstatement

ISTANBUL

Eight political parties represented in Nepal’s recently dissolved House of Representatives said the dissolution was unconstitutional, calling for its reinstatement.

In a joint statement on Saturday, the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Centre), CPN (Unified Socialist), Janata Samajbadi Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, and Janamat Party demanded the decision be reversed immediately, saying it undermined the Constitution and devalued the people’s mandate.

President Ramchandra Poudel dissolved the parliament on Friday shortly after naming former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, 73, as interim prime minister, following days of youth-led "Gen Z" protests that toppled KP Sharma Oli’s government. The dissolution of the parliament was a major demand by protest leaders.

The parties cited Article 76 (7) of the Constitution and precedents set by the Supreme Court, arguing the president’s step broke constitutional practice.

“This move not only undermines the people’s mandate but also strikes at the very supremacy of the Constitution,” the statement said, adding that the protesters' demands should be addressed through an institution voted by the people.

The 275-seat parliament was dissolved soon after Paudel administered Karki’s oath of office, with elections scheduled for March 5.

At least 51 people were killed and many others were injured in this week's mass protests triggered by a ban on social media platforms. The protests evolved into a broader movement against alleged corruption and nepotism among the political elite, with demonstrators targeting residences, the Supreme Court, and other public buildings.