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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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