🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles 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 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 older political class. He has previously held the posts 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.