In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged 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 played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
