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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.