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In a significant development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address 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 promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.