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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads 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 holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.