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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position 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, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.