Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Balen Shah Named PM Candidate as His Camp Merges Into RSP for March 5 Nepal Vote

The pact positions a youth-driven bloc born of September's protests to channel disillusioned voters.

Overview

  • A seven-point pre-poll agreement makes the Kathmandu mayor the RSP parliamentary party leader and prime ministerial face.
  • Shah’s team will merge into the RSP and contest under the Election Commission–assigned bell symbol, with the party’s name and flag unchanged.
  • RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane retains his post and faces legal cases after a recent bail release in a cooperative fraud probe.
  • The written pact claims ownership of the Gen Z anti-corruption movement and pledges support for injured protesters and their demands.
  • Analysts expect the tie-up to draw a surge of young supporters ahead of the March 5 election, while the Ujyalo Nepal Party has yet to decide on joining.