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

A Commitment 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 prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.