Nepal TV host and ex-rapper mayor form alliance for election after youth revolt | Nepal
Two of Nepal’s most popular political leaders have formed an alliance ahead of next year’s elections, following deadly youth-led protests that toppled the government earlier in the year.
Television presenter Rabi Lamichhane, the 51-year-old head of the Rastriya Swatantra party (RSP), and 35-year-old rapper Balendra Shah, who is the mayor of Kathmandu, have vowed to meet the demands of the younger generation after the deadly anti-corruption protests in September.
At least 77 people were killed during the youth-led uprising on September 8-9, triggered by anger over the government’s brief ban on social media, adding to public frustration after years of economic stagnation and allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.
According to the agreement, Lamichhane will continue as the leader of the party in the March 5 elections, while Shah will be the prime ministerial candidate.
“The compromise should not be what the leader wants, it should be what the country needs,” Lamichhane said in a statement after the agreement was signed on Sunday.
Lamichhane, who was recently released on bail for links to cooperative fraud and organized crime, is a popular television presenter in the Himalayan republic.
Capitalizing on widespread discontent with Nepal’s aged political leadership, he founded the RSP in 2022 and became deputy prime minister and home minister.
Shah, popularly known as Balen, is seen as a popular figure during the political transition and helped form the interim government led by Sushila Karki following the ouster of the KP Sharma Oli government.
On Saturday, Karki held the first such consultative meeting since the uprising with Oli, Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba and Nepal Communist party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
After the meeting, Karki wrote on social media that the election was the common responsibility of all stakeholders. “The government is committed to guaranteeing a free and fear-free environment. We are working to leave no room for doubt.”
