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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged 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 ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.