Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah has been named the prime ministerial candidate of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ahead of Nepal’s upcoming parliamentary elections, the party announced on Sunday. The decision comes after marathon discussions between Shah and RSP President Rabi Lamichhane, signaling a significant step in consolidating the party’s position as a national political force.

According to a seven-point agreement, Lamichhane will continue as the Central President of the RSP, while Shah will lead the parliamentary wing and serve as the party’s prime ministerial nominee. The deal also formalizes power-sharing between the two leaders and lays the foundation for strengthening the party’s outreach among younger voters and new political activists.

Shah, an architect and former rapper, has gained popularity for his hands-on approach to urban governance and his outspoken critique of what he calls the corruption and inefficiency of established parties. Known for his reclusive style and selective media interactions, Shah has cultivated a strong youth following, particularly among urban voters, and played a pivotal role in the formation of the current government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

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Lamichhane, a former media personality, has similarly leveraged his public image and youth support to make inroads into national politics. Having recently been released on bail after facing fraud allegations related to cooperative institutions, he has sought to bring together young leaders like Shah and other emerging forces to strengthen the RSP ahead of the elections scheduled for March 5 next year.

The party has confirmed that it will retain its name, RSP, along with its blue-and-white flag featuring a bell as the election symbol. Responsibilities within the party will be allocated to integrate both youth activists and experienced professionals, focusing on qualifications, inclusiveness, and public image. The agreement also emphasizes pursuing structural and institutional reforms to achieve social justice, economic progress, and long-term national development.

Political analysts suggest that the alliance between Shah and Lamichhane could reshape Nepal’s political landscape by challenging the dominance of established parties and appealing to younger voters seeking change. The RSP’s unified leadership team positions it as a potentially decisive force in the upcoming elections, with aspirations to transform Nepal into a middle-income nation over the next decade.

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