In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests 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 nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.
The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Details of the New Political Agreement
According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.
- Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Wider Political Consultations Taking Place
In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.
After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.
