🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.