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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath 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 Pledge to Tackle Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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 younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in forming the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.