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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

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

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt 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 accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson 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 well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.