In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Details of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key 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 dissolved.
Wider Government Discussions Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
