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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.