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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political class. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.