In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger 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 systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
