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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 coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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 highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson 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 TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.