In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent 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 publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.
Broader Government Consultations Underway
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
