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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance'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, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.