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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms 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. 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.