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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting 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 officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 position 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 public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged 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 caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.