In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's 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 issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Discussions Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
