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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 alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.