🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent 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 popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.