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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. 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 ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.