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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.