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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal 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 Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. 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 development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.