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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.