New Political Forces Seek Common Front Against Nepal’s Mainstream Parties |
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Kathmandu: With the March 5 election approaching, Nepal finds itself consumed by a political debate pitting established parties against emerging forces. This contest centers on political movements born from Gen Z protests and older parties now rebranding themselves as “alternatives,” all seeking to unite against parties that have governed since democracy’s restoration in 1990. The “new and alternative” label, loosely defined as anti-establishment, has become the rallying cry for this opposition.
Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah has emerged as the central figure orchestrating this anti-establishment coalition.
After his stunning 2022 victory as an independent candidate, crushing major party nominees, Shah has retained strong support among urban youth. This popularity makes him invaluable to newer parties seeking electoral credibility.
Though complete party unification seems unlikely given personality conflicts, these forces are pursuing an electoral alliance designed to unsettle traditional parties psychologically. Shah has spent recent days consulting with self-described Gen Z leaders, newly formed parties, independent lawmakers, and even some mainstream politicians.
Amresh Singh, an independent lawmaker and former member of the Nepali Congress, stated that the primary objective of such an alliance is to prevent traditional parties from returning to power. Singh, who recently met with Shah, suggested that these new forces would collaborate to stop the current leadership which he claimed had ruined the country over the last four decades.
The unification push gained momentum after a district court released Rabi Lamichhane on bail. Lamichhane faces multiple charges of cooperative fraud which he dismisses as political persecution. Upon release, he