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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set 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 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.