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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.