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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions 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 candidate for the position 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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue 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 message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.