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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.