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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer revolt was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the New Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several major political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.