In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
