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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 youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.