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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.