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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent 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, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.