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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.