In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Details of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
