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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.