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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, 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 nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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