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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.