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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts 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 seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.