The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Nepal’s fourth-largest political party, is gearing up for the upcoming parliamentary elections by nominating Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah as its candidate for the next Prime Minister. RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Shah, both prominent political figures, reached an agreement to unite under the RSP banner and share leadership roles.
In the seven-point agreement, Lamichhane will serve as the Central President of the RSP, while Shah will lead the parliamentary party and become the prime ministerial candidate post the elections. This move marks a significant transition for Shah from a city mayor to a potential national leader. The agreement is aimed at consolidating their position to compete with established political parties in the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5.
Shah, known for his efforts to enhance public infrastructure and critique the established political leadership, has a strong following, especially among the youth. Lamichhane, a former media personality with a youthful base, has been working to unite Gen Z leaders and new political forces to strengthen the party’s standing. Analysts suggest that their collaboration could challenge the dominance of traditional parties in Nepal’s political landscape.
The RSP will maintain its identity under the agreement, with the party flag, election symbol, and central office remaining unchanged. The party will focus on integrating youth activists and experienced professionals based on merit, inclusivity, and public perception. The agreement also emphasizes the need for reforms to achieve national goals of prosperity, social justice, and economic advancement, aiming to elevate Nepal to a middle-income nation in the next decade.
