🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

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