Nepal's CPN-UML Re-elects K.P. Sharma Oli Amid Probe into 77 Protest Deaths

He's under investigation for the deaths of 77 protesters, yet K.P. Sharma Oli just won a third consecutive term as leader of Nepal's main opposition party. On December 18, 2025, the three-time former prime minister was re-elected as chair of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), defeating his rival by more than double the votes. The decision is seen as a direct repudiation of the spirit behind the recent 'Gen Z' uprising that shook the nation.

A Controversial Leader Returns

Oli's previous stints as prime minister were marred by controversy, including dissolving parliament twice and allegations of widespread corruption. He is currently under investigation for his role in the violent suppression of the Gen Z protests in early September 2025, which resulted in 77 deaths. Within his own party, he has a reputation for systematically sidelining opponents and stifling dissent, often resorting to public mockery of his rivals.

The CPN-UML once practiced a more democratic culture with collective leadership. However, that reportedly changed when Oli first took the party's helm in 2014. Since then, he is said to have centralized power, operating within a narrow clique and marginalizing anyone who challenged his authority.

A Defiance of Generational Change

The party's choice directly conflicts with the core demand of the Gen Z movement: to replace the old guard of politicians with a new generation of leaders. Oli has repeatedly ridiculed the movement, suggesting it was orchestrated by foreigners, and has refused to express remorse for the deaths that occurred under his premiership. Shortly after his re-election, he defied the interim government's probe panel, stating he would "rather be shot than present himself before the panel."

According to The Diplomat, a Kathmandu-based diplomat described Oli as "by far the shrewdest Nepali politician" they had met. His path to re-election was reportedly paved with tactics of threatening and cajoling party members, and even tweaking party rules to secure more delegate votes for himself.