In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement
According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role 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 widespread discontent with the country's older political class. 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 alleged 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 shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
