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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.