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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 wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.