In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement
According to the formal agreement, 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 party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
