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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle 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 grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously held 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.