🔗 Share this article

In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.