In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the roles 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 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Discussions Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
