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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge 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 prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past 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 figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.