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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, 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 role 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 broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering 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 collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.