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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Concerns

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

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

The September revolt was sparked by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-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 related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of other mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared duty. The message reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.