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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.