In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
