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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.