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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older 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 involving 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 transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.