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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.