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

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.