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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.