🔗 Share this article

In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.