In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in 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 former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents 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 holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
