🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

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 party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.