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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in 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 central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.