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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream 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 free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.