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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 large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent 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 pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.