In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.
"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Government Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
