🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger 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 political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.