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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Partnership

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 fifty-one-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 positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure 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 Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.