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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.