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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.