Reuters writes, “Balen in the race to become Nepal’s PM”

KATHMANDU: An international news agency, Reuters, has published a special report predicting a major upheaval in Nepal’s political landscape, citing an unprecedented electoral alliance between Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for March.

According to Reuters, the agreement between the two popular political figures outlines a clear division of roles. If the RSP-led alliance secures victory, 35-year-old Balen Shah is set to become Nepal’s Prime Minister, while 48-year-old Rabi Lamichhane will continue to lead the party.

Party officials and political analysts quoted by Reuters describe the deal as historic, with the potential to seriously challenge Nepal’s traditional political parties that have dominated power alternately for the past three decades.

The report notes that the alliance emerged from the momentum of a large-scale “Gen-Z” youth movement that erupted in Sept, driven primarily by demands for accountability and an end to corruption.

Reuters claims that the protests resulted in the deaths of 77 people and ultimately forced then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign.

Reuters portrays Mayor Shah as the de facto leader of the youth-led movement, adding that his initiative led to the formation of an interim election government under the leadership of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.

Political analyst Bipin Adhikari, speaking to Reuters, described the development as a “smart and strategic move” by the RSP. “Bringing Balen and his young supporters into its fold is a major success for the RSP,” Adhikari said, adding that established parties now appear increasingly anxious about losing their grip on young voters.

Reuters concludes that this emerging alliance has injected new uncertainty—and energy—into Nepal’s upcoming elections, potentially reshaping the country’s political future.