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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread 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 persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.