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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.