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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests 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 leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.