🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.