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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent 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 publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

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

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.