In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.
Broader Political Discussions Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
