🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. 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 Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen 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 previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.