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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.