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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.