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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities 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 ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread 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 economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.