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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles 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 role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.