🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.