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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that shook 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 one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant casualties.

"Agreement should not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several major political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The message reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.