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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. 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 popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.