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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a temporary 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.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader 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 fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up 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 meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.