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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to 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 current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.