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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement 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 triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.