🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.