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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving 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 shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.