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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal 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 former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the positions 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.