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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.