Archive · 29 Dec 2025
Balen Shah named PM candidate in RSP pact
Balen Shah, the mayor of Kathmandu, has been named the prime ministerial candidate by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
They made this agreement to work together in the upcoming elections on March 5.
Balen will lead the party in parliament, while Rabi Lamichhane will continue as the party's chairperson.
They both want to address the concerns of young people who protested against corruption and bad governance.
This agreement is seen as a big step in uniting young political leaders.
Another new party, Ujyalo Nepal Party, is still deciding whether to join them.
Many young supporters are expected to join the RSP because of this agreement.
Balen Shah named PM candidate in a pact with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
The agreement designates Balen as the parliamentary party leader and PM face, while Rabi Lamichhane remains RSP chairperson.
The pact includes a seven-point agreement, with both sides committing to address Gen Z protesters' demands.
The RSP's name, flag, and election symbol 'Bell' will remain unchanged as Balen merges his team with the RSP.
Observers see the pact as a significant step in uniting youth-led political forces in Nepal.
- Who
- Balen Shah (Kathmandu Mayor) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)
- What
- Agreement to jointly contest Nepal elections, Balen named PM candidate
- When
- Agreement signed on December 28, 2023; elections on March 5, 2024
- Where
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Why
- To unite youth-led political forces and address Gen Z protesters' demands
Youth Movement Supporters
Traditional Political Parties
Political Representation
Youth Movement Supporters
Support the pact as it addresses their demands and unites youth-led political forces.
Traditional Political Parties
May view the pact as a challenge to traditional political structures and power dynamics.
- Balen Shah
- Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, named PM candidate
- Rabi Lamichhane
- RSP Chairperson, continues as party leader
- Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)
- Fourth-largest party in the dissolved HoR
- Election Symbol
- Bell
- Election Date
- March 5, 2024
- Agreement Points
- Seven-point agreement, includes youth movement ownership
- Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP)
- Newly formed group, decision pending on joining alliance
Sources
Kathmandu mayor named PM candidate as he inks pact with RSP for Mar 5 Nepal polls
Balen Shah To Be Nepal's Next Prime Minister? Kathmandu Mayor Named PM Candidate After Pact With RSP
Kathmandu mayor named Nepal PM candidate as he inks pact with RSP for March 5 polls
