In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's 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 Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
