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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must 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 sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to 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 was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.