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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, 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 party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.