In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established 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 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Discussions Taking Place
In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
