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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Partnership

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

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

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.