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In a notable development ahead of next year's general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Pledge to Address Youth Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

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

The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role 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 public dissatisfaction with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently 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 player in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in setting up the interim government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Political Discussions Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the period of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.