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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.