In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official agreement, the positions 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
