In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official 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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
