🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked 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 catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country'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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.