🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.