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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.