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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 ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.