🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions 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 position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.