In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake 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 Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure 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.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
