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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 promise follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions 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 position 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, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.