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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported 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 played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.