In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges 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 incumbent government.
A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Political Discussions Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
