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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

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

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.