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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.