In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.
The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement
According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Government Discussions Taking Place
In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
