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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate 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, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.