In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred 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 after the agreement was finalized.
The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the New Political Partnership
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Taking Place
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
