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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure 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 raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.