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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported 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 forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.