🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

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

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.