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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

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