In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge 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 vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent 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 following the deal was signed.
The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Partnership
According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established 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 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
