In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country'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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
