🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

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

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.