In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
