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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 emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.