🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

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 younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.