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In a significant move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The late summer revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's established political class. He has in the past 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.