KATHMANDU: The planned formation of an interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has hit a stalemate, with key political actors divided over whether the House of Representatives must be dissolved before she assumes office.

Negotiations involving President Ram Chandra Paudel, Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, and Gen Z protest leaders have failed to resolve the impasse.

Both Karki and protest leader Sudhan Gurung insist that dissolution of Parliament is a precondition for her swearing-in.

Under Nepal’s constitution, Parliament can only be dissolved after a prime minister’s recommendation and presidential approval.

Similar attempts in 2020 and 2021 under KP Sharma Oli were overturned by the Supreme Court, raising concerns over legal legitimacy.

A source close to President Paudel emphasized, “The process must remain within the constitutional framework,” reflecting caution to avoid repeating past controversies.

The disagreement has left the transitional administration in limbo, with negotiators debating whether Parliament should be dissolved before Karki takes office, or if she should first be sworn in and then recommend dissolution as prime minister.