In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
