🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving 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 setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.