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

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked 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 slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction 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 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 current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.