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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"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 uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.