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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.