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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported 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 was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.