The Letter of Resignation
On 9 September 2025, Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli submitted his resignation to the President of Nepal. In his letter, he referred to provisions of the Constitution of Nepal that allow a prime minister to step down in extraordinary political and national circumstances. He explained that his resignation was meant to open the way for a broader political solution and to respect the spirit of the Constitution.
This decision comes at a time of heightened political tension in Nepal, where questions of governance, unity, and constitutional order remain central. For the people of Nepal, the resignation of a prime minister is not just a change of leadership. It raises deeper issues about accountability, stability, and the workings of democracy.
Why Leaders Quit Office
Prime ministers step down for different reasons. In some countries, it is because of internal party struggles. In others, it is because they lose support in parliament. For example, in France, Prime Minister François Bayrou resigned after losing a vote of confidence in parliament. This was not simply about personal failure, but about the principle that a government must always command the trust of elected representatives.
Similarly, in Nepal, resignations like that of Oli show how constitutional systems create room for leadership changes without collapsing the state. They demonstrate that leadership is not permanent and must bend to political realities and the rule of law.
The Law on Prime Ministers
The Constitution of Nepal clearly provides for the appointment and resignation of prime ministers. Article 75 sets out how a prime minister is appointed, while Article 77 describes the circumstances under which the office can become vacant, including resignation. By following these constitutional rules, Oli respected the legal process and allowed the system to function smoothly.
Such constitutional provisions exist to ensure that power is not concentrated in one person and that a peaceful political transition is possible. They also reflect the principle that leaders are accountable not only to their parties but to the nation.
Why It Is Important
Resignations of prime ministers are moments of both crisis and renewal. They may reflect deep political divisions, but they also prove that democratic institutions can adapt. When a leader steps down lawfully, it prevents prolonged paralysis and makes room for fresh leadership.
In the case of Nepal, Oli’s decision means the country can now search for consensus leadership, something that may help reduce instability. In France, Bayrou’s resignation after losing a vote of confidence allowed another leader to take charge, which is how parliamentary democracy ensures continuity.
Case law across many jurisdictions has affirmed that constitutional office holders must exercise their authority in good faith and respect the limits of their powers. Courts in countries such as India and South Africa have ruled that political leaders are not above the law and must step aside when they lose legitimacy or when the law requires it. These principles also apply to Nepal, even though the local context may differ.
What We Need to Know
The resignation of a prime minister may look like elite politics. But it has real consequences. Leadership changes affect policies, stability, and the economy. They also test whether institutions such as parliament, the presidency, and the courts can function as designed.
When leaders resign lawfully, citizens can have more confidence that democracy is working. It shows that even the most powerful officials are not beyond accountability.
The Next Chapter
The resignation of K. P. Sharma Oli is an important moment for Nepal. It reflects the maturity of the Constitution and the need for political flexibility. The country will now go through the process of forming a new government, guided by law and political negotiation.
What matters most is that the transition remains peaceful and that institutions continue to serve the public interest. Democracy is not only about elections but also about respecting the rules when power changes hands. The resignation of a prime minister is one of those rules, and Nepal has now shown that it can be followed.
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