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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster 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 former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.