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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations 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 leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement 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 spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions 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 central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.