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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.