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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.