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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.