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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role 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 leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Discussions Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and open environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.