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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged 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 interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads 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 conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.