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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.