🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to 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 transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.