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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting 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 officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.