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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

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

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.