🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.