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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after 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 underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the country's older political class. He has previously served in 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 thirty-five-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 removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings 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 uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.