🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details 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. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to 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 transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.