In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated 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 served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
