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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

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

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position 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, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions 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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.