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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.