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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.