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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.