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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent 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 position 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.