India, Sept. 12 -- Strife-torn Nepal's fragile political landscape is inching toward a reset after a week of turmoil, with the search for an interim Prime Minister narrowing to a handful of non-traditional contenders. At the top of the list is former Chief Justice Sushila Karki, a figure seen as neutral and untainted by partisan politics. Also in the reckoning are technocrat Kulman Ghising, credited with ending the country's notorious power shortages, and Kathmandu mayor Balendra "Balen" Shah, a youth icon.

According to senior observers, the choice will ultimately depend on balancing three competing imperatives-meeting the demands of agitating youth, ensuring institutional stability, and securing acceptance from both political elites and...