In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
