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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country'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 related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.