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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues raised by the younger generation. This promise comes after the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the New Electoral Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established 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 involving 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 ongoing political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was removed.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a shared duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.