In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
