🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

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

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving 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 current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.