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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," 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 action served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.