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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 comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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 commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged 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 current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.