🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role 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 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 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.