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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.