In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth 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 clarified. 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 scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Government Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
