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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

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

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.