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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

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 issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged 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 ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.