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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.