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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 coalition comes in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Demands

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

"Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed.

The September uprising was triggered by widespread anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political class. He has previously held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in forming the interim government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first 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 collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.