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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations 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

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent 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 position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.