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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary 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 deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.