🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.