🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.