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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position 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 older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.