🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

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 grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.