In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to 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 former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson 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 well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
