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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to 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 revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.