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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.