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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.