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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.