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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle 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 pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.