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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.