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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

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 issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

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

The September uprising was sparked by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader 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 well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 seen as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.