🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake 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 Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 broad discontent with the nation's established 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.