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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.