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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 aftermath 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 Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on 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 secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.