🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.