In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge 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 prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the Fresh Electoral 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 alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing 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 not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Broader Government Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue 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 duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
