🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.