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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.