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In a notable move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.