In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Commitment to Tackle Young People's 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 issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
