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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth 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 grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older 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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, 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 guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.