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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.