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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.