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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time 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 reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.