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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.