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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities 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 led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to significant loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the deal was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the country's older political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.