In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation'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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
