🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

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 commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.