🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked 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 leads 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 follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. 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 key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state 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 polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.