In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Demands
Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.
"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.
The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged 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 interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.
Broader Political Consultations Underway
In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.
After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.
