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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.