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In a notable development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which led to significant loss of life.

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

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country'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 seen as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Political Discussions Taking Place

In a related event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.