In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities 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 Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns
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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Details of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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 country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Taking Place
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
