Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, known as Balen, has formed an alliance with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Rabi Lamichhane ahead of Nepal’s March 5 parliamentary elections.
Under the agreement, Balen will become prime minister if the RSP wins, while Lamichhane will remain party chief. Both leaders say they want to fight corruption and respond to the demands raised during recent youth-led protests.
The protests in September led to the resignation of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and increased political awareness among young people. Nearly one million new voters, mostly youths, have been added to the voter list.
Analysts say the alliance could attract young voters and pose a challenge to traditional parties that have ruled Nepal for decades.
However, critics believe the alliance may not have a major impact, saying voters may still choose experienced political parties.
