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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.