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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled 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 held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.