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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent 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 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 central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.