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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads 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-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party'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 established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the country's established political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

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