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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.