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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal 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 former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral 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. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged 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 ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.