In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Address Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable 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 public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
