🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.