🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 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 dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

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