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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.