🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.