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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address 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 unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation'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 released 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 figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.