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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.