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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

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

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.