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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged 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 current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.