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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.