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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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 raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.