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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released 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 current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.