In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to 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 current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Government Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time 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 responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
