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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee 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 established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread 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 recently 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.