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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.