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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.