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 wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Taking Place
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
