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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.