In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
