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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

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

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with several leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.