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

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After 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 dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.