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In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This coalition comes in the aftermath of large-scale and deadly 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 heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the issues highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the turbulent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties.

"Agreement must not be what a leader wants, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The late summer uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of systemic political corruption.

Terms of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official pact, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. 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 scheduled for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known 51-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad discontent with the nation's older political class. He has previously served in the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago freed on bail in a case related to reported 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 transition. He played a role in forming the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was removed.

Broader Government Discussions Underway

In a separate event, the current interim prime minister recently conducted meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the uprising.

Following these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any uncertainty.