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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions 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 position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.