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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations 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 time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.