🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.