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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure 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 highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

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 leader 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.