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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.