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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 fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream 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 holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.