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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.