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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.