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In a notable 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 fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.