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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.