Kathmandu, Dec 28 (NationPress) The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), recognized as the fourth-largest political entity in Nepal's dissolved House of Representatives, is set to enter the forthcoming parliamentary elections by endorsing Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as its candidate for the position of the nation's Prime Minister.

After extensive discussions, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Shah reached a consensus on Sunday morning.

This agreement marks a commitment for both leaders to unite under the RSP banner as a political entity and to share governance responsibilities.

As outlined in a seven-point agreement, Lamichhane will assume the role of Central President of the RSP, while Shah will take the lead as the parliamentary party chief and the party's candidate for Prime Minister after the upcoming elections for the House of Representatives. This agreement significantly paves the way for Shah to transition from a city mayor to a potential national leader.

In recent days, the two parties have engaged in lengthy discussions in anticipation of the elections slated for March 5 next year, aiming to fortify their position against established political entities. Both parties characterize this agreement as a step toward greater political unity.

Shah, known for being a somewhat private mayor who seldom interacts with the media, has garnered a substantial following, especially among the youth, due to his initiatives to enhance public infrastructure and his vocal criticism of what he perceives as the “corrupt” leadership of traditional political parties.

An architect and rapper by trade, Shah has also been instrumental in the formation of the current government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki following the Gen Z movement in early September.

Lamichhane, a former media figure with a considerable youth base, previously faced fraud allegations related to cooperative institutions after his entry into politics, leading to his incarceration. He was recently released on bail and has been working to unite Gen Z leaders and emerging political forces to bolster his party ahead of the elections.

“The alliance between Shah and Lamichhane for the upcoming elections could position them as formidable political players,” observed political analyst Arun Subedi earlier in an interview with IANS. “Such a partnership could shift the power dynamics in Nepal's political landscape by challenging the dominance of traditional parties.”

According to the agreement, the party will continue to operate under the name RSP, retaining its existing blue flag with a white circular center and blue bell symbol. The party's electoral symbol will be the bell, and its central office will remain in the Kathmandu Valley.

The agreement also specifies that roles within the party will be assigned by effectively integrating youth activists and seasoned experts, with a focus on qualifications, inclusivity, and public image. Relevant party documents will be updated in accordance with the Election Commission.

Both parties have also committed to pursuing in-depth policy, institutional, and structural reforms necessary to fulfill national goals of prosperity and social justice, laying the groundwork for economic and social progress and developing a cultured political practice, aiming to elevate Nepal to a respected middle-income nation within the next decade.