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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary 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 deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.