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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

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 issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.