🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- 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 posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. 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 room for doubt.