🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook 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 heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation'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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.