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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former 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 casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, 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 candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.