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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.