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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment 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 pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.