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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's older political class. 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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.