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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment 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 nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.