🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.