🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.