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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent 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 former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to 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 ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

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