In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.
The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving 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 played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
