🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.