In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.
Terms of the New Electoral Agreement
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.
Wider Political Discussions Underway
In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
