🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 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 considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.