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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

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

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.