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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

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

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain 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, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the posts 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

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

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.