🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.