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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale 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 Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

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