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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth 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 defined. 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 television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

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