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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after 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 nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

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