In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Demands
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 grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.
"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership
According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.
Broader Government Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.
Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
