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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.