In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
