In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.
"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.
The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
