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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 alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest 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 after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.