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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.