In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.
A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.
"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.
The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.
Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership
According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. 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 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.
Broader Government Consultations Taking Place
In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents 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 credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.
