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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions 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 candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held 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 key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.