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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 alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.