In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.
Details of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Taking Place
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
