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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile 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 eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth 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 focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.