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In a significant move 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 large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment 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 grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

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

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

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent with the nation's established political class. 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 thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a key figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Underway

In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with several leading political leaders. These talks involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's dedication to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.