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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.