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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth 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 younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New 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 alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.