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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable 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 uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Partnership

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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 nation's older 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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.