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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.