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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.