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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching 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 position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.