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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 comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.