In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.
The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the New Political Agreement
According to the official agreement, the roles 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
- Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Underway
In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
