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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.