🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure 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 Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.