🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged 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 shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.