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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation'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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.