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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's 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 focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.