In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.
A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands
Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.
"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.
The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived 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 political corruption.
Terms of the New Political Partnership
According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming 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 over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.
After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.
