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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral 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. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled 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 leadership. He has previously held the positions 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 current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.