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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, 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 alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving 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 was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.