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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.