🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.