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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 widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially vowed to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed 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 central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.