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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition emerges in the aftermath of widespread and deadly youth-led protests that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands

Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who heads 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 new generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-graft unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable loss of life.

"Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the deal was signed.

The late summer uprising was sparked by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included former prime ministers and the heads of rival major parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising.

After these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that holding a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.