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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.