🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting 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 former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked 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 served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position 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, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.