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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal 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 officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.