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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host 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 raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen 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 Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.