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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake 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 Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted 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 leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival 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 conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.