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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated 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 room for doubt.