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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, 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 shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.