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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent 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 role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.