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In a notable move ahead of next year's general election, two prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting 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 one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the approaching election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread discontent 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 released on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Wider Government Discussions Underway

In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with a number of leading political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.