In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands
Television host 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 raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
