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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, 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 alliance'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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.