My cabinet will have a maximum of 11 members: Karki

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has stated that her cabinet will have a maximum of 11 members and will be composed of independent figures.

Speaking to BBC Nepali, Karki explained that including party-affiliated members in the interim cabinet could create risks of political maneuvering during elections. Instead, she said, individuals with an independent character who will not contest the upcoming polls will be selected for the cabinet.

“The council of ministers will be formed based on the provision of inclusiveness enshrined in the Constitution,” Karki said.

She added that those willing to cooperate to ensure smooth elections will be appointed as ministers.

“President Ram Chandra Paudel had advised me to expand the cabinet by including one member from each political party. However, I declined this suggestion,” she added.

Karki also said that ministers would be chosen based on capability. “My main priorities are holding the elections and ensuring good governance,” Karki said. “Many names have been proposed for ministerial positions; decisions will be finalized within a day or two.”