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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

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

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.