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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad 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 recently released on bail in a case involving reported 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 ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.