In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the New Political Agreement
According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held 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 central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
