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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

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

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.