🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established 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 related to reported 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 interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.