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In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.