In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.
A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.
"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement
According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Government Consultations Taking Place
In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
