🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.