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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.