🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address 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 focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, 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 alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions 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 current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations 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 protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.