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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key 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 removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.