In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.
Wider Government Discussions Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
