In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
