🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.