🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching 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 nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

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