🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared 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 room for doubt.