🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.