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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the sitting 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 one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.