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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.