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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's 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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread 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 recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.