🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving 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 shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.