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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.