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In a significant development 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 protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure 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 issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests 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 nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country'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 alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.