In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, 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 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Discussions Underway
In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
