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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread 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 recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.