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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported 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 setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.