In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
