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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles 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 role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.