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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.