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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.