In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place 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 deal was finalized.
The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Discussions Taking Place
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
