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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal 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 role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.