🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed 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.