In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Discussions Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement 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.
