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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," 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 acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.