🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.