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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.