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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 alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.