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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established 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 involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state 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 polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.