In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
