In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
