🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads 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 emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.