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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

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

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously served in the positions 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.