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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.