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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

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

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.