In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Discussions Underway
In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
