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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related 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 heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.