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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.