🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment 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 imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.