In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the roles 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 scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Taking Place
In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
