🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

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

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.