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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position 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 discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.