🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.