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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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