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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

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

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 leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated 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 room for doubt.