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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

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

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

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. 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 widespread discontent with the nation'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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period 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 message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.