🔗 Share this article

In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," 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 action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, 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 party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.