🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.