In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
