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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 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 served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.