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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged 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 considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.