In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Discussions Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
