🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. 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, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.