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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.