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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes 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 incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The late summer revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position 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 nation's established political class. 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 involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.