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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.