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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked 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 persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.