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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.