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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger 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 should be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.