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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale 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 Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.