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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 seen 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 Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.