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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, 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 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

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