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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.