🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions 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 role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.