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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

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

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

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