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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

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

Terms of the New Political Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.