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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in 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 officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

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

Terms of the New 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.