🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities 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 led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.