🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement 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 underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.