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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal youth-led demonstrations that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Concerns

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

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

The September uprising was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Electoral Agreement

According to the official 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 party's candidate for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past 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 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He played a role in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Consultations Taking Place

In a separate development, the sitting interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with several leading political leaders. These discussions involved former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.