🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.