In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Government Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.