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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment 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 formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.