🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, 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 candidate for the position 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 public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.