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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of 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 resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge 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 pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.