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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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, channeling widespread discontent 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 freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.