🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 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 public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.