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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded 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 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.