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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge 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 focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.