🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.