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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.