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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent 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 recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. 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 separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.