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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Consensus should 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 public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political 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. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with several major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.