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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the turbulent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which led to considerable loss of life.

"Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was signed.

The September uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from years of slow growth and persistent accusations of systemic political corruption.

Details of the New Political Agreement

According to the formal pact, the roles 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 role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released 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 central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved.

Wider Government Consultations Taking Place

In a related development, the current interim prime minister recently held consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the heads of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the period of the protests.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to state that holding a credible election is a shared responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a safe and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.