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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details 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 chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to 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 played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.