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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.