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In a significant development ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the issues highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September revolt was triggered by widespread anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has previously held 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 viewed as a key figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.