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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, 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 nominee 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 discontent with the nation's older political leadership. 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 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.