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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's 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 younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.