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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer revolt was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling 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 freed 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

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