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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.