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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching 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 role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 key player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.