🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.