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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath 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 Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 reported 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 shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.