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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.