In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations 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 party's candidate for the position 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, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player 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 Political Discussions Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
