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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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 raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged 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 setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.