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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting 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 vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

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

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve 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 set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.