🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.