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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.