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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host 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 occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official pact, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.