🔗 Share this article

In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following 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 deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.