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In a notable development ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent 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 role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.