In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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 public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
