In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set 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 class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
