🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.