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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.