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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of large-scale and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately resulted in the removal of the sitting government.

A Pledge to Address 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 vowed to focus on the issues raised by the younger generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-graft unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in significant loss of life.

"Consensus must not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was sparked by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics.

Terms of the Fresh Electoral Agreement

According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation'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 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 current political transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Political Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions involved ex- prime ministers and the heads of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such dialogue since the time of the protests.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The message affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the polls, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.