🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate 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 discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.