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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

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 commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in 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 player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.