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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually led to the ouster of the incumbent government.

A Commitment to Address Youth Concerns

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to focus on the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it should be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane following the deal was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a spark for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

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

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case related to alleged 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 interim government that came to power after the previous administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of leading political leaders. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the uprising.

Following these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to guaranteeing a safe and fear-free environment for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.