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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Demands

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

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

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

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

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.