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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

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 guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.